I'm running the London Marathon for Prostate Cancer UK. Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men in the UK. That's someone’s dad, partner, brother, son, grandad, uncle or mate. I'm raising money and awareness to help fund lifesaving research and support for men and their families affected by prostate cancer.

I would not describe myself as a marathon runner, although by the end of 27 April I will be able to call myself a marathon runner.

As many of you know, I run Parkrun every week and am on a mission to complete the Parkrun alphabet this year. I’ve completed 22/26 letters so far. I’ve completed a few half marathons in my time too, but never a full 26.2 miles.

I had been on the Prostate Cancer UK waiting list since last year, but I got a call on 22 Jan to say I’d been successful. That’s exactly 3 months and 4 days or 95 days to be precise, to get match fit.

I am so so grateful to Prostate Cancer UK for allowing me to join their team. It means so much to me!

I had an original fundraising target of £2,000, but have increased it to £2,500. Please give generously.

Your support, encouragement and donations will be hugely appreciated not only by myself but by Prostate Cancer UK. I am a great advocate of raising awareness around Prostate Cancer UK and I now have the opportunity to raise much needed funds for this wonderful charity that is very close to my heart.

I am at higher risk of prostrate cancer as my late father had it.

Did you know that Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men over 45? Your risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age. However, that doesn't mean prostate cancer is limited to the older generation and 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer.

If you’re over 50, or you’re black, or your dad or brother had it, you’re at even higher risk. Prostate cancer is not always life-threatening. But when it is, the earlier you catch it the more likely it is to be cured, so start talking to your doctor about your risk today.

Over the last 10 years my PSA level has been around 0.8-1.0, which is well under the ‘at risk’ level of 3.5. However in March 2024, my result came back as 3.51. The assumption was a false positive result, so I went back 2 weeks later for another blood test. My PSA had shot up to 15. Scary AF. Within 2 weeks I had a MRI scan and biopsy which found no lesions or anything untoward. By July, my PSA was back at 1.47. I’d had an infection of some description that skewed the results. Had I not tested, I would be unaware. No symptoms. Get tested.

So chaps, lads, boys, men, fellas, gents, blokes, dudes, hombres or whatever you identify as, pick up the phone, dial the doc, get a blood test and know your PSA level. Compare your results with your mates, the same as you talk about the footy or rugby results. It’s no biggie, it’s not embarrassing, it is what it is. My PSA is currently 1.47, what’s your score?

Oh and if you’re worried about the doc donning the rubber glove for an internal examination then don’t worry, that’s not really a thing anymore.

Not sure how much to donate? Here are some suggestions

£1 per mile = £26.20

£1 per km = £42.19

£50 to represent the age you should be get a PSA test

£77 to represent the % of men diagnosed with prostate cancer in England survive their disease for ten years or more

Or just donate as much or as little as you can afford.

Thank you,

Simon