Hi everyone,

Firstly - thank you so much for even checking out this JustGiving page raising vital funds for MacMillan. Whether you’re seeing this through myself, friends or family who have helped by sharing the page, I appreciate your time taken to check it out.

Those close to me will know that I lost my Grandad to Cancer in January 2012 when I was 15. He was always the most characteristic, caring and funny person but more so an amazing Grandad. As a teenager this was my first experience of grief and is something I struggled to come to terms with for many years.

During this time, my family significantly benefitted from the fantastic support from MacMillan. They were with us throughout this time and the support, care and nurture that they gave our family was nothing short of incredible. They were able to support us through the most horrible of days and maintained my Grandad’s dignity and wishes to be at home with all of us until he passed.

It’s in memory of my Grandad Mike that I am undertaking this significant challenge and there is no charity I would rather represent than MacMillan.

Last year I reached a significant low point in my own life having neglected my personal physical and mental health for a number of years. I was incredibly overweight, and struggled with unhealthy coping strategies for how I was feeling in life. I knew something needed to change and so I set about taking action.

A significant part of that change has been around prioritising my physical and mental health, whilst trying to better understand the reasons underpinning this. Through starting regular exercise, eating better, and undertaking counselling I began to lose weight.

Since March 2024, I’ve gone from 187.3kg down to 145kg losing over 40kg (6.5 Stone). I cannot begin to tell you the difference I feel in myself but also know there is still a long way to go.

My Grandad was an incredibly keen hiker and was apart of the mountain rescue service for a significant portion of his life. I had always dreamed of being able to do some form of physical challenge for charity in his memory however given the state of my previous health I would never have seen this becoming possible… until now.

I am excited and incredibly proud to have been offered a place to run the London Marathon for MacMillan and can only hope to do my Grandad proud come April.

I am by no means a runner… I REPEAT, I am by no means a runner.

Prior to my training for the Marathon, the thought of running a 5K was terrifying and also unknown as I’d never physically been able to complete this. Since day one of my Marathon training, every run I have completed has been unknown territory and for me personally an achievement in themselves. Below was the very first run of my training program and also the first time I’d ever managed to run more than 5km!

Given all of the above, I want to make it clear that the aim come April is to simply complete the Marathon. I don’t have a time that I’m aiming to beat, the goal is simply to finish the 26.2 miles and cross that finish line.

As we get closer to Marathon day, the training plan is ramping up, the nerves are seriously starting to kick in and I would be lying if I said I hadn’t at times questioned why am I putting myself through this?

The simple answer is, I’d do anything in the world to have had more time with my Grandad.

Sadly this wasn’t possible but the help of MacMillan gave our family the support it needed when it mattered most and I will forever be grateful for their amazing Nurses and wider team.

Any donation, big or small is wholeheartedly appreciated and welcome.

If you really want to be apart of the journey, please consider taking part in my “Motivation Miles” campaign which will be launching this week. I will be offering the chance to “sponsor” each mile of the Marathon.

This allows the Sponsor to:

- Choose any available mile between 1-26

- Record an audio message that I will hear for the first time on race day as I start your chosen mile.

- Pick a song of your choosing which will be scheduled to play after your audio message during your mile.

These “Motivation Miles” are obviously limited. Whether you’re family, friends, businesses or just happen to find this page and a complete stranger, I will need and value your support on Marathon Raceday so please please get involved.

*These will vary in price but start from £30*

For more information please feel free to reach out to me via any of the below:

Instagram: joemidd1

Email: josephmiddleton1996@gmail.com

Mobile: 07866084553

Thank you 🙏🏼

Joe x

Thanks for supporting my fundraising. Macmillan gives people with cancer everything they’ve got. If you’re diagnosed, your worries are Macmillan’s worries. Macmillan’s doing whatever it takes. But without your help, Macmillan can’t support everyone who needs them.

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