My Cancer Journey — And Why I’m Taking on Relay for Life 2026

Cancer is something you always think happens to someone else. You never imagine it will be you.

But in March 2025, my world changed when I was diagnosed with urachal bladder cancer. In an instant, everything felt uncertain — the emotions, the fear, the endless what ifs. I didn’t know what the road ahead would look like, or whether there would be light at the end of the tunnel.

Under the care of the incredible urology team at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, I learned that I would need major surgery. Several internal organs would have to be removed, and I would have to adapt to life with a urinary stoma. Before that, I faced months of chemotherapy to shrink the tumour.

Chemotherapy was one of the hardest journeys of my life. I got through it thanks to the love and support of my wife, my family, my friends, my colleagues, and the outstanding teams across Addenbrooke’s oncology, urology, and chemotherapy departments. Their strength carried me when mine was running low.

In August 2025, I underwent more than nine hours of surgery — led by a remarkable surgeon, supported by a dedicated theatre team, and assisted by the DaVinci robot.

Today, I’m fully recovered. And I’m incredibly grateful to be able to say the words I am cancer‑free. I count myself as one of the lucky ones. From the first day of chemotherapy, I was determined to beat this — not just for myself, but for everyone who stood by me through the darkest and brightest moments.

Now it’s my turn to give something back.

I’m Taking Part in Relay for Life — A 24‑Hour Marathon for Cancer Research UK

From noon on Saturday 4th July 2026 to noon on Sunday 5th July, I’ll be walking through the day, through the night, and into the next morning at Relay for Life in Bury St Edmunds.

I’m doing this to honour the people who saved my life.

I’m doing this for those still fighting.

And I’m doing this in memory of those who didn’t get the chance I did.

Why Your Support Matters

Cancer Research UK funds the science that leads to earlier diagnoses, better treatments, and more survivors. I’m living proof of what research, innovation, and brilliant medical teams can achieve.

Every donation — big or small — helps someone else find their own light at the end of the tunnel.

If You Can, Please Support My Relay for Life Challenge

Your generosity will help fund life‑saving research and give more people the chance to say the words I was lucky enough to hear: cancer‑free.

Thank you for reading my story, and thank you for supporting this cause that means the world to me.

Relay For Life celebrates the power of community fundraising to make breakthroughs happen. Across the UK and the globe, teams of friends, families and colleagues fundraise for world-leading research to save and improve lives, then unite at an event to honour everyone affected by cancer and celebrate the progress we’re making to beat it. Here's how the money you raise powers progress:£60 could buy a microscope lens, allowing our scientists to focus on the small details that could help us beat cancer. £2000 could fund the Can Risk project for one day, which is developing a way to accurately predict people's risk of developing cancer so we can spot the disease earlier. When you fundraise for Relay For Life, you’re helping to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. Thank you for your support. Together we are beating cancer.