In under 11 weeks’ I have committed to run the London Marathon in support of the Christie Hospital Charity in Manchester. 

Those who know me may recall that at school I used to plod around a rugby or football pitch, expending as little energy as possible in fear of collapsing due to lack of fitness. So, the mere thought of me attempting a marathon seems laughable.

It was my very close friend, Archie Vokes, who encouraged me to start running and I attempted the odd jog, hating every second of it. He sadly passed away, just after Christmas in 2023, but his legacy has inspired me to attempt things I may have previously considered beyond my grasp. So, when my older brother Sam decided to lace up his trainers and run the Berlin Marathon last year, I thought “OMG, now I’ve got to do one!”

But the main reason I’m running a marathon is to support the amazing work, research and care that the Christie provide, to help people survive or live with cancer, and for the happiness this valuable extra time together brings to so many patients, their relatives and loved ones - my own family amongst them.

Cancer has affected my family throughout my whole life.  My eldest brother Nick died at the age of just 17 when I was 6 months old. 

My brother Charlie unfortunately lost his stoic battle with cancer when he was 31 in 2019, but the excellent care, provided by the Christie, had allowed me to spend three incredibly important years with him.

Charlie was an amazing brother and friend. During his illness he never once complained, facing every obstacle head on, always with a smile on his face, probably masking the pain he was feeling, and his outward consideration for others, was incredibly unselfish and is my biggest inspiration in life.  He will always be my hero, and I miss him.

I’m sure he would be completely shocked that “strawbs/baby Jack” is attempting such a task but compared to what he had to endure, over so many years of his life, a marathon is nothing.  I will carry his memory with me through every stride.

The stark reality is that almost all families are affected by cancer and in honour of both my brothers I want to do as much as I can to raise money for this great cause. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to help in some small way.

Please give whatever you can.  

Jack

Xxx