In December 2012, when I was 17 years old, my Mum and I received the devastating news that my Dad, Graeme Wood, had been diagnosed with terminal Pancreatic Cancer. My Dad was an otherwise extremely healthy 50 year old who simply thought he had a stomach bug. Back in March 2013, when we sadly lost my Dad, I was shocked to find out that only 5% of people who are diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer have a chance of surviving 10 or more years following their diagnosis. At the time of my Dad's diagnosis, despite this form of cancer being named 'the Silent Killer,’ research into the area was extremely underfunded. I am disappointed to find out that this still remains the case today.

I am running The Great Manchester Run in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK, who provide support for those diagnosed with the disease and most importantly provide funding for research into early diagnosis, which is drastically needed. I am running in memory of my beloved Dad and all of those other families who have lost loved ones so suddenly and unexpectedly to this often incurable form of cancer.