Hiya! Thank you for taking the time to visit my page! My name is Alex, and at the end of last year, I signed up to run the Bristol Half Marathon. I’m taking on this challenge to raise funds for Melanoma UK in honour of my beloved Grandad, Louis Burns.

My Grandad was my favourite person. He was kind, gentle, and the heart of our family. A loyal family man and a diehard Liverpool supporter! More than a grandfather, he was a father figure to my siblings and me, always showing up for us, and going above and beyond to make sure we were happy and thriving. Looking after me and my little sisters brought him so much joy. Even in his 80s, he was always up for fun, chasing us around the garden and helping us climb trees. He treated us like his angels and the lessons he taught me will stay with me forever.

In 2021, during the height of COVID, my Grandad was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Heartbreakingly, he passed away on March 31st, 2022. The very next morning, on April 1st, I received my offer to medical school. A dream I had worked so hard for, one he had always supported, but never got to see come true.

This past year has been the hardest of my life, particularly for my mental health. I signed up for this half marathon as a way to push myself (I have NEVER been a runner!), to get out of the house on the hardest of days and focus on something positive. This half marathon was about more than just running, it was about rebuilding and learning to love myself. I know my Grandad would be incredibly proud of how much I have grown, especially over the past six months, and of the woman I will one day become. The person I am today, and the person I will be, is fundamentally shaped by the love and guidance he gave me for 18 years. I will always be grateful for the foundation he built in my life and I hope I become half the person he was.

Due to the pandemic, my Grandad lived with a suspicious lesion for too long before seeking medical attention. When he finally did, it was unfortunately probably too late. If it had been caught earlier, he might still be with us today. That’s why, if you’re unable to donate, I hope you’ll help spread awareness and encourage your loved ones to be extra careful in the sun. Melanoma UK provides excellent resources on spotting the signs of skin cancer, and I urge everyone to check their skin regularly and seek medical advice if anything seems concerning.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me and thank you for reading this message, it truly means the world.