Like all families, cancer has cast its long shadow over ours and those close to us.

In the early 1990s, my Auntie Mary was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. She was in her 30s with two very young children. Mary underwent a gruelling treatment regime, fought with everything she had, and won. Today, she is happily enjoying life in her 70s.

Sadly, the disease later took my two wonderful Nans, and my Grandad also suffered from lung cancer. Cancer also took my Uncle Murray, dear family friends Andy & Dennis, and lovely colleague Yuki way too soon.

In recent years, I have watched two of my very best friends and a school friend fight breast cancer, again undergoing gruelling surgery and treatment. The bravery they have shown has been nothing short of incredible. Thankfully, they are all now in remission, but that doesn't take anything away from what they and those who love them have been through.

Most devastatingly, this cruel disease took my lovely Dad—and my children's amazing Granpops—long before his time. Despite fighting with every single ounce of his strength, having major surgery, and taking every treatment offered to him regardless of how brutal, Dad passed away in September 2021. Life has never been the same. He was my Dad, my best friend, and my hero. I miss him every single day.

Please donate whatever you can so this wonderful charity can continue its vital work, and help us move closer to a day where this cruel illness is eradicated for good.

My first and last (!) half marathon is for you Dad, Auntie Mary, Becks, Pip, Vicki, Nan Sadie, Nan Lily, Grandad Ron, Uncle Murray, Andy, Dennis, Yuki, Paula along with everyone who is fighting or has fought cancer.