Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In September 2021, we lost my would-be father-in-law, Steve, to myeloma, a rare type of blood cancer, which is difficult to diagnose, and sadly incurable.

Steve's first thought on his diagnosis was what he could do to help others, and though Steve is no longer with us, we'd like to continue that mission.

The first objective of that mission is to raise awareness of myeloma. Unfortunately, there is no single symptom of myeloma and the most recognisable symptoms are common and often linked to general ageing or minor conditions, making it difficult to detect; one third of myeloma cases are only detected after a medical emergency.

But early diagnosis is key to ensuring myeloma patients have the best possible treatment options and quality of life.

If you have noticed a change in your health, or the health of a loved one – feeling tired more than usual; a niggling persistent pain, usually in the back, ribs or hips; an infection (e.g. chest, bladder) that just just won't shift; or just feel something is wrong, contact a GP and get it checked out.

The second aim is to raise money for Myeloma UK (https://www.myeloma.org.uk/), a charity that supports everyone affected by myeloma, striving to improve standards of treatment and care through research, education and raising awareness of myeloma; and their ultimate goal of finding a cure.

To that end, I'll be running 12 half marathons in 2022 - one a month - dotted across the UK, from the mud and hills of Harewood House, to the spectacular coastal views of County Antrim, fundraising for Myeloma UK.

If you can give, please do. Any amount would be much appreciated. Your donation will go towards supporting patients and their families; funding genetics research to discover new treatments; supporting clinical trials; and providing resources for medical professionals to ensure best treatment and care.

Thank you,
Thomas

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P.S. A list of the 12 half marathons I'll be running - if you're nearby, and fancy cheering me on (or having a pint afterwards), please get in touch:

• January - Harewood House Trail Run Half Marathon - 01:54:09
• February - Great North West Half Marathon [Blackpool] - 01:53:30
• March - Liverpool Half Marathon - 01:46:24
• April - Stratford-upon-Avon Half Marathon - 01:44:01
• May - Edinburgh Half Marathon - 01:40:16
• June - Southport Half Marathon - 01:42:59
• July - Mulberry Half Marathon [Conwy] - 01:59:31
• August - Antrim Coast Half Marathon - 01:42:17
• September - Great North Run - 01:44:40
• October - Great Scottish Run [Glasgow] - 01:38:07
• November - Lancaster Half Marathon - 01:46:03
• December - Aintree Half Marathon [postponed]
• January 2023 - Central Lancashire New Year Half - 01:40:13