Running the Baker Hughes 10k was going to be entirely self-indulgent, until I discovered that I could enter through Wood Group PSN and raise some money for UCAN.

It’s been almost a year since my grandad was diagnosed with terminal cancer and when he finally slipped away I was glad that I was there with him. While I waited for the rest of the family to arrive at the hospital I didn’t know quite what to do with myself.

UCAN run a centre within the Urology ward at ARI and I found myself there whilst in a pretty surreal state of mind. They provide support and specialist medical advice for those diagnosed with urological cancer as well as a welcoming environment to have a cup of tea and talk. What they did for me was a small thing. It meant I could talk to someone about the mixed emotions of witnessing my grandad’s passing – sadness that he was gone, relief that he was no longer suffering. While I was there I saw how they support those in far greater need – a couple, the husband having only just been diagnosed, looked lost and in need of some advice.

UCAN has also transformed the ward’s day room from an uninviting, clinical space into a comfortable and welcoming place for patients and their families. It’s amazing how some paint and furniture can help you forget you are in a hospital. I think this is really important for those trying to just feel normal and not focus on their illness for a while.

This is only a small part of what UCAN do. To learn more about them visit their website: http://www.ucanhelp.org.uk/. There are so many worthy charities in the world it’s hard to know which to help but if you’re looking for one to donate to today, please consider UCAN and help them carry on providing this invaluable service.