In September 2024, my wife Courtney was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer. This was an incredible shock, especially as Courtney was just 40 years old at the time, and otherwise very healthy.

She has had various treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, followed by an operation to remove the tumor. She has recently completed what we hope is her final round of chemotherapy, and a positive outcome going forward.

Cancer is devastating, and really bloody scary. Not only for the person receiving the diagnosis, but also for their entire family. Navigating it all with young children can also be extremely challenging. Unfortunately, our story is not uncommon anymore, and I’m sure many of you reading this have had similar cancer journeys with a close friend or loved one. Worryingly, cancer, and particularly bowel cancer, is rising in the under 50s and there is still no clear explanation as to why.

But we consider ourselves to be very fortunate. Firstly, that the tumor was identified so quickly - We are part of Barts Health NHS Trust, which aims to provide a fast diagnosis for suspected cancers by diagnosing or ruling out cancer within 28 days of a referral. And secondly, that the cancer treatment available today is nothing short of remarkable. We have been blown away at the level of NHS care that we have received, along with technological advances in things like chemotherapy drugs, targeted radiotherapy, and even down to her operation which was carried out through revolutionary robot-assisted laparoscopic abdominal keyhole surgery.

All these advances have been made possible due to research, and the money raised for research charities. The more research is done around cancer, the more ways we can prevent, detect, treat, and maybe even one day eliminate for good. No family should have to go through this.

It goes without saying that I am incredibly passionate about this cause, and this fight. I would love to raise as much money as possible for ICR – The Institute of Cancer Research.

So please help me with this battle wherever you can, as I lace up my massively cushioned (and massively overpriced) running shoes and attempt to run the London Marathon in April 2026.

Thankyou for reading our story. Anything you wish to donate however big or small is hugely appreciated. If you are unable to donate, then please just wish me luck.... and pray that my knees continue to withstand the training block! 🫣

About ICR:

The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is one of the world's most influential cancer research institutes, with an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. Every day they are finding innovative ways of detecting cancers, discovering new treatment options and producing life-changing research.

ICR discovered that DNA damage is the basic cause of cancer, laying the foundation for the idea that cancer is a genetic disease. They discovered many cancer-related genes – including BRCA2 – and revolutionised radiotherapy to make it more targeted, with fewer side effects. They discover more new cancer drugs than any other academic centre in the world.

Every donation is a part of what keeps cancer research moving forward every day. They help fund the routine yet essential tasks that build toward major discoveries.

£20 could pay for some PCR primers – short DNA sequences used to identify cancer-related genes.

£50 could buy one box of pipette tips, which are used daily during experiments.

£100 could power a high-resolution microscope for an hour, enabling scientists to closely examine cancer cells and track how they respond to treatments.

Help us reach the finishing line. Together we can finish cancer

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