Back in 2020 my daughter, Sienna, and I were preparing for the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race. The 125-mile race covers both canal & miles of the Thames. It involves 77 portages (you leap out of your boat & carry it around locks) and ends at the iconic Big Ben.

We were racing in support of the Royal Marsden, in the name of Henry & Freya. Covid meant the race was cancelled, but undeterred we made props and completed the race in the garden, raising nearly £6000 for the Royal Marsden.

This link takes you to our you tube video:

https://youtu.be/Oed6pyfIhLI?si=JRL-rqcgHAo99IkN

Since this time, for me, the race has felt like unfinished business, and I continue to want to support the Royal Marsden as they provide an incredible service for my patients (I'm a GP). I've watched both sad & happy endings, but through them all the Royal Marsden have offered unwavering support, kindness, & a degree of clinical excellence we are privileged to receive.

My daughter is now at university, so it's just me in the boat this time. To make it even trickier, safety concerns mean that the race ends 119 miles in, at Putney, so if I want to celebrate at Big Ben, I will need to run the last 6 miles.

I'm delighted to say that the original two Marsden patients, that we fundraised in the name of, are doing really well. Henry is still under the care of the Marsden, but has been accepted to train to become a paramedic from September this year. Freya is in her 4th year at medical school, hoping to become a clinical oncologist. It seems like these strong young people both want to give back to an NHS that saved their lives. Truly humbling.

There are so many more like them though. We need your help. If you are able to support, your support would be hugely appreciated.

I'll try to do my best & not let you down.

Here's what the Royal Marsden have to say:

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money solely to support The Royal Marsden, a world-leading cancer centre. We ensure our nurses, doctors and research teams can provide the very best care and develop life-saving treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world.

From funding state-of-the-art equipment and groundbreaking research, to creating the very best patient environments, we will never stop looking for ways to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.