Shine is Cancer Research UK’s night-time walking marathon, open to men, women and children.  Marnie and I will be walking the full marathon (26.2 miles) on 28 September 2013 alongside a group of very close friends, two of whom have been the inspiration behind this fundraising effort. 

Why are we putting ourselves through this?

Earlier this year our very close friends, Tom and Cara, who married in January 2012, called us to deliver some shocking news.  In March 2013 they were told that Cara, then aged just 28, had been diagnosed with DCIS, a type of non-invasive breast cancer.  If that wasn’t bad enough, after more tests the diagnosis was later changed when invasive cancer was discovered and Cara now had to undergo (and is currently undergoing) a 24 week course of chemotherapy starting almost immediately, to be followed by surgery, and potentially radiotherapy in order to eliminate the cancer.

……..but their story doesn’t end there!

A few months later, in line with the usual protocol of waiting 3 months to tell anyone, they sent us a picture of their first ultrasound; they were expecting a baby, due in November this year!  Naturally, whilst full of questions, we were delighted for them and we can’t wait to meet the new addition to their family later this year!

Now, anyone who has met Cara knows that she has never been one to shy away from a challenge and as if being pregnant and fighting cancer at the same time isn’t enough she has decided that walking 26.2 miles to raise money and awareness for Cancer Research is a good idea and so has signed up for the Shine walk.  She very kindly invited us to join her and, having promised to be there for her no matter what, and having no excuses whatsoever, we have agreed to accompany her! 

We are raising money for Cancer Research UK and the fantastic healthcare professionals out there helping people to beat cancer.  Every little helps and hopefully one day we can eliminate cancer forever!

Please sponsor us, if you can, and please remember to gift aid your donation if you are a UK tax payer.  This means that Cancer Research UK receives at least an extra £0.25 for every £1.00 that you donate, at no extra cost to you.

You can also sponsor me by texting:

MTGG99 £(amount) to 70070

e.g. MTGG99 £5 to 70070 will donate £5 to Cancer Research UK. Also, don't forget to gift aid it...

Thank you for your support.