Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. 

Why I'm fundraising

On Oct 2nd 2022, I am running (jogging!) the London Marathon for Cancer Research UK. Cancer is one of the greatest health challenges of our time. 1 in 2 people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer in their lifetime, along with millions more around the world. I am running, specifically, in memory of:

Josephine Robinson (my aunty), born 5th June 1946 - died from brain cancer, 15th July 2002

Martin Robinson (my dad), born, 25th August 1942 - died from bladder cancer, 24th May 2004

Margaret Rigby (nee Robinson - my aunty), born 19th October 1949 - died from bowel cancer, 27th August 2020.

Dame Deborah James, (a tireless campaigner for Cancer Research UK) born 1st October 1981 - died from bowel cancer, 28th June 2022.

Like many people the length and breadth of the UK, cancer has had a devastating impact on my family - taking my father and his two sisters when they still had a lot of life to live. There's not a day that goes past when I don't think of them - and how they would have loved to have seen their children and grand-children grow up and flourish. They were all lovely people - who never had a bad word to say about anyone and are greatly missed.

The Charity - Cancer Research UK

In February 2022, I became an employee of Cancer Research UK and have joined a group of people who are committed, day-in day-out to beating cancer. CRUK is the largest independent funder of cancer research in the world, and funds around 50% of all publicly funded cancer research in the UK. Whether it's through scientific breakthroughs that improve our understanding of the disease, or creating the next generation of life-saving drugs, or keeping pressure on government to ensure we all benefit from early diagnosis and treatment - CRUK's work is vital in improving our chances of survival.

Since joining the charity, I've been bowled over not just by the commitment of my colleagues, but by the efforts of the thousands of supporters and volunteers who work so tirelessly to fundraise and increase awareness of how to spot early signs of the disease. This includes, Dame Deborah James, whose family I sadly got to know prior to her death in June 2022. She was an inspiration to so many people - honest, beautiful, hilariously funny, and encouraged everyone right up to the end to - 'check your poo'! 

The challenge

I hope to make my colleagues and family proud by completing the London Marathon. I've held off from sending this fundraising ask to my social network - as the training has NOT gone well and I wasn't sure if I'd be able to complete the course (I've been carrying an Achilles injury and broken ribs from falling off my bike). BUT,  I've decided to go for it - so here goes! 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Many thanks all. 

Big love,

Luke