Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I feel honoured and extremely excited to be part of the 2022
Amgen/Myeloma UK team that have the privilege of embarking on this unique journey from London to Paris, all in support of an amazing cause.

My main motivation to start focusing on charitable fundraising, and specifically cancer charities, is that like many others, the disease has affected many of the people closest to me in my life. My father, Smiley, was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (another blood cancer) over 20 years ago, but thanks to a clinical trial he had access to an advanced therapy, which significantly improved his prognosis and allowed him to live as normal a life as possible (although I still think he used his fatigue symptoms as an excuse for his laziness!). He is now 4 years in remission, a walking rugby regular, and my family are forever grateful that he had access to that clinical trial, which ultimately would not be possible without the significant contributions that come from charitable organisations. 

A big inspiration for getting into charitable fundraising is my auntie, Simone, who is an ovarian cancer survivor, and since her initial diagnosis over 27 years ago, has dedicated herself to physical activities and challenges all in aid of raising money for cancer charities. Whether it's tough mudder, or the CARTEN 100, she throws herself into anything and is a true inspiration to the family!

Unfortunately, I have also experienced the more common realities of cancer outcomes, and just before Christmas last year, we lost my grandfather, Bampy Dave, who had lung cancer. Diagnosed at late stage, we were fortunate to have 2 extended years with Bampy Dave thanks to new advanced Immunotherapy treatments, which ensured our family had even more happy memories before his passing, and many, many terrible jokes, which nevertheless always put a smile on our faces!

In 2019, my wife’s best friend (who we had set up with one of my best friends 4 years earlier which led to them getting married!) was diagnosed with a rare sarcoma, and unfortunately passed away at the beginning of 2020 – Cat was only 29 years of age, and is still missed by a vast amount of friends and family to this day.  The work done by Maggie’s cancer charity and Velindre Cancer Centre to ensure her final month (including their wedding) was as peaceful and enjoyable as possible was nothing short of miracle working, highlighting the importance of fundraising to ensure more families can benefit from positive experiences as a result of the great work done by charities.

Ultimately, the impact cancer can have on families and friends is devastating, so anything that can be done to support better outcomes, or at least contribute to positive experiences in the remaining times is essential.  The fact that this ride allows us to share the experience with patients and families is a unique and incredible opportunity,  and will only motivate me more to play my part in fundraising.

Thank you in advance for any and all donations, which will undoubtedly contribute to supporting Myeloma UK’s fantastic work to improve the lives of myeloma patients for years to come.

Bon Voyage!