On the 17th of March, I am embarking on a deeply personal challenge. Alongside my friends, I will be running my first marathon through the streets of Rome in honour of my beloved grandmother and my mother who was recently diagnosed.

Growing up, I was incredibly close to my grandparents and the connection with them shaped much of my childhood. My granny was a woman of immense love and strength, she left us six years ago after her own brave fight with cancer. Her passing left a void in me that is felt to this day, especially as we approach the 6th anniversary of her loss, a few weeks after the marathon. Her spirit and resilience have always been an inspiration to me and continue to guide me.

Cancer is a relentless disease, one that does not discriminate by age or time. While I wish no one ever had to face it, my heart particularly goes out to young children robbed of their futures by cancer. No child should have their dreams and potential cut short by this illness, but if it happens, they deserve the best possible respite and care. This belief, coupled with the personal battles within my own family and my friends daughter Emmy, has influenced me in my decision to support the Cancer Fund for Children.

I firmly believe this cause would have made my granny proud. It reflects her enduring spirit and aligns with the mission of the Cancer Fund for Children: to ensure that every child or young person impacted by cancer receives the support they need, at the right time and in the right way, helping them to cope better with cancer. The Cancer Fund for Children have a centre in Newcastle, Co.Down and will soon be opening a second centre on the shores of Lough Corrib in Cong Co.Mayo.

I invite you to join me in supporting this cause. Your donation, whether large or small, will honor my grandmother's memory and support children and families in their fight against cancer. Together, we can make a significant difference in their lives.

Thank you for your support and for being part of this journey.

Darren