On 23 April I am running my first marathon, the London Marathon, in aid of Macmillan and in memory of my Dad John who died when he was 54 from cancer of the oesophagus. A wise, big-hearted and adventuresome Scot, he is still sorely missed every day. Macmillan were fundamental in both his end-of-life care and practical support to our family. Without Macmillan I am not sure what we would have done. 

Macmillan offer brilliant services such as helplines, support centres, counselling, bereavement support, complimentary therapy, back to work support, financial advice, and fantastic and tireless end of life specialist nurses and care. Fundraising is hugely important to Macmillan and charities like them, without people baking cakes, climbing mountains or attempting to run a marathon, these charities could not keep going.

It is for these reasons I have chosen to run for Macmillan and specifically the unit that supported him - the Midhurst Macmillan Service.  Staffed by 40 amazing Drs and nurses, including my sister, Beth, Midhurst Macmillan (made up of Macmillan, the NHS and Midhurst Palliative Care) supports about 700 people with cancer and life-limiting illnesses every year, and enables them to receive palliative care at home.    

I am also running in memory of two very good friends, Ed Sumner and Helen Scott (nee Messiter) – both tremendous, brave and inspiring shining humans who died in recent years from brutal cancers. 

I’m hauling myself into training and it’s slow and steady at the moment so if you have any inspiring songs, please send them my way and I then can think of you as I listen and get blisters.

Thanks for reading! Will x

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