This year I've been lucky enough to get the opportunity to run in the London Marathon while supporting Orchid - Male Cancer. While I was looking for charities to support with my fundraising, I came across Orchid and really loved what they stand for. 

They are a small organisation, raising funds and awareness for all types of male cancer. As soon as they had received my application, I got a call from the fundraising manager, who explained how crucial London Marathon entries are to the work they do for the year ahead. 

Male cancer has always been something I've cared an awful lot about. In 2014, during my final exams in school, my father was diagnosed with Prostate cancer. My parents decided not to tell me until after I was finished my exams, just before we headed for 'an operation'. It was only then that I realised what his operation was for. Until that point in my life, I don't think I had truly appreciated the effect that cancer can have on families. It was always something I knew affected friends' families, and distant relatives, but never my own. Fortunately, my dad came out the other side of his operation, and continues to get regular checkups with his GP ever since. Sadly, not everyone does come out the other side with male cancer, and often only notice when it's too late. Since my dad's diagnosis, I've been so much more vigilant of the effects of male cancer, and about the need to raise awareness among my age group, on the importance of keeping a closer eye on your body. 

In the last couple of years, there's been other relatives and friends of family battling through male cancer, and it's the work of charities like Orchid Cancer that make it all that bit easier, from peer support for cancer patients, to raising awareness in local schools and organizations. Seeing the incredible work they do, helping keep that momentum going by raising funds, and running for a few hours is really the least I can do. 

Any donations would be going to a truly great cause. The London marathon is one of Orchid's biggest opportunities to fundraise for the rest of the year, and I feel privileged to be a part of their team.

Thanks a mill for taking the time to read!

Kev x