I'm running the Great North Run 2025 as part of #TeamBowelCancerUK.

In August 2023 my dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 Bowel Cancer. We were then told that this had spread from his bowel to his liver, lungs and lymph nodes.

To say this was a huge blow to our family would be an understatement. It's something I never thought would happen, especially not my Dad.

Thinking back, I can’t remember much from that time, apart from feeling completely lost and confused because surely this couldn't be happening.

My dad is 48 and the thought of him not being there to see my son grow up or to see me and my sisters grow up and get married completely broke our hearts.

However, despite everything, my Dad has been a beacon of light and positivity and has been an inspiration to us all.

In the last year my Dad and step-mom have got married, he's seen my sister get her A-Level results and move to University, he's seen Christmas' and birthdays and seen his grandson go to his first football match, (albeit the wrong team - sorry Dad!)

As a person, he is one of the strongest people I have ever met and as of May 2025, he is on round 35 of chemotherapy and is fighting like I’ve never seen before.

My dad is a super hero and your donations really do go a long way to help beat Bowel Cancer.

I’ve chosen to support Bowel Cancer UK as they're UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. They’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.

They support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.

How your donation could help make a difference:

• £10 could deliver an awareness talk.

• £25 could provide an hour’s expert nurse support on our Ask the Nurse service.

• £50 could help support policy work to improve bowel screening.

By donating today, we can help Bowel Cancer UK achieve their vision of a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer. Thank you.