I've never run more than a couple of miles before and I have never even considered a marathon - that was for serious runners and people who love wearing monkey suits. Then last Christmas my world was turned upside down. I was looking forward to becoming a dad for the first time and my mum was going to be a grandmother, at last. Wow what a Christmas present that was going to be. Then we had the news that was as devstating as it was unexpected, mum was diagnosed with cancer.

At first we remained positive, even though mum could not travel from Cornwall to see her first grandchild, the radiotherapy saw to that. Initially the first results were better than anyone could have wanted, remission, the joy was short lived. Within weeks the cancer had returned and now it was beyond anything the doctors could do, the word terminal never seemed so wicked.

Knowing that you are going to die must be the most frightening existence anyone can live. It was now that MacMillan Cancer Support came to help, not just for mum but for all of us. Advice, home visits,a shoulder to cry on and vital nursing when the time came. MacMillan helped bring calmness and clarity to everything, which not only helped mum but from a distance we knew she was being well looked after. When the final weeks and days approached they made sure mum suffered as little as possible giving her dignity and peace.

At first I found it hard to see what difference MacMillan made but then I imagined what it would have been like if they had not been around and now I just thank god that they were. Not only did they look after mums' medical needs, they helped with the social, emotional and practical impact cancer had on her, and the rest of the family. With their help mum enjoyed many an early summers day in Cornwall with her little grandson, and we got to spend some happy days that I will never forget.

I'm sorry to give you the hard facts but but one in three of us will get cancer during our life-time and one day you might need the help and support of MacMillan, so please dig deep and make a donation for this wonderful charity today.

So now its my turn to return just a fraction of the favour by putting myself through the 26.2 miles of the first Brighton Marathon, but no I won't be wearing a monkey suit.

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So please dig deep and donate now.