As many of you know, on the 27th July 2024, my best mate at University and forever close friend Harry Staples passed away aged just 25 after a tough and challenging four years of fighting Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.

Harry and I first met at our cricket trials at the University of Birmingham in 2017 and from that moment, our friendship grew and we shared many fond memories including our Wednesday night socials, trips to Edgbaston and most fondly, our 21st birthday together. It was our trip to Cardiff in 2020, just before COVID where sadly things changed for Harry where upon our return from the national indoor finals, following on from pain in his hip, he went to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and was sadly diagnosed a few days later with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.

The next four years for Harry, as well as his family; Jake, Trevor and Adair, was full of ups and downs with some incredible highlights for them including trips to sporting events and venues around the UK (for instance Lords, Oval, Wembley, Stamford Bridge, Oulton Park for the British GT and more), graduating from the University of Birmingham, converting a van into a camper van to then travel around Scotland, France and many more highlights!

Sadly, in December 2023 we were told that Harry's cancer had returned and it was terminal which was incredibly heart breaking for all of his friends and family, and something that really hit me hard. I was fortunate enough to see him just two days prior to his passing, as we listened to TMS and managed to have a bit of small conversation about our memories of University and all things sport.

Harry passed away aged just 25 years old but it was an absolute pleasure to have had 7 years of incredible memories and laughs. Our birthdays were the same which always lead to large celebration's for all, we enjoyed walks during covid, many a beer and sporting occasion but none of this battle would have been possible without the amazing support of Teenage Cancer Trust.

In 2020, right when Harry was first diagnosed I ran 8km a day (250km) in May for Teenage Cancer Trust raising over £3,000. On the 26th April 2026, nearly 6 years later I want to play my part in thanking them for all the amazing support they gave Harry and his family, and the continued amazing work they do across the country for families suffering.

Teenage Cancer Trust provides young people with cancer specialised nursing care and support, helping those diagnosed by providing world class services to demonstrate togetherness, encouragement and assistance throughout. I will be running the London Marathon for a second time, but this with much better preparation and a lot of motivation to do my old pal, Harry, as proud as possible.

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