This year, I’m helping Manchester tackle brain cancer. On 31 May, I’ll be taking part in the Purplewave – a 10K challenge.

Brain cancer is one of the most devastating diseases a family can face, taking more children’s lives than any other cancer.

At The University of Manchester, researchers are racing to change that. With our support, they can scale up their brain cancer team, back early-career researchers and bring more brilliant minds into the lab. Together, we’ll drive urgent studies, test new therapies and speed breakthroughs into real treatments that save lives.

It is 20 years since we had a close member of the family affected by bowel cancer. We are so grateful that the research and treatments helped her to survive and lead a normal life. But brain cancer is not the same as bowel cancer.

The world needs a brain cancer breakthrough. Please join me in supporting Manchester to turn bold ideas into life-saving treatments.

Together, we say: Challenge Accepted.