I am running the royal parks half marathon on 12th October in aid of cancer research UK, hoping to raise as much money as possible to fight this terrible disease.

I am running this race for everyone that I know where cancer has unfortunately impacted their lives not least my mum, grandad, aunties, uncle and more recently my father in law but mainly, I decided to run this race for some people in my life who are currently navigating complicated cancer journies in an uncertain time and I hope that by raising some funds it will raise their spirits in the process.

The thing that strikes me most about cancer is that the diagnosis itself is life changing, but for everyone no matter what their situation, everyday life goes on and normality continues - navigating the mundane of life together with the birthdays, weddings and everything else in between alongside all the treatments, appointments and recovery is one of the hardest parts of a cancer diagnosis. Being able to keep your resolve and still be able to live your life to the fullest amongst the pain and uncertainty.

That's when people have to dig deep and hope. Hope that there is a cure, hope that medical advances can make it easier and hope that you can be at peace no matter what.

A quote from Dame Deborah James sprung to mind when I thought of this, a young mum of two who in spite of being dealt a terrible hand, driven by determination to make positive change found hope in the midst of a devastating diagnosis and inspired so many along the way:

"Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope"

So as I run on 12th October I run with the hope that by supporting cancer research they can help provide people with the thing they hope for the most - a cure, an end to the suffering and pain.

I have also been hoping to get close to a sub 2 hour run but that is looking increasingly unlikely but as I run I will hope for that too :-)

If you can spare any money for this great cause it would be so greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Claire

Nearly 1 in 2 people will get cancer in their lifetime* which is why I’m raising money for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work.

Every donation makes a difference, so please sponsor me and help to power pioneering research. Together we are beating cancer.

*cruk.org/lifetimerisk