Just before Christmas 2024 I received the news that a friend of mine had lost her battle with cancer. In June 2023, an influential teacher in my life lost her battle with cancer. In 2016, another influential teacher in my life lost her battle to cancer, leaving behind her young daughter without a mummy.

The repetitive nature of these stories is extremely sad, and is something that shouldn't continue, as I'm sure I'm not alone in having experienced such stories.

I'm going to be running my first half marathons across the space of 5 weeks: Wolverhampton Half Marathon in September, and London's Royal Parks Half Marathon 5 weeks later in October to raise money for The Institute of Cancer Research.

The ICR is one of the world's most influential cancer research institutes, with an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. Donors and supporters play a vital role in helping researchers at the ICR to make the discoveries that defeat cancer.

As a scientist myself, I have experienced the importance of funding to allow research to take place, and I'm determined to do my bit to help the ICR to continue their vital work.