I am a clinician scientist who runs a research lab at The Institute of Cancer Research and I am a consultant in clinical oncology at The Royal Marsden Hospital in London. I have devoted the last 30 years to research and clinical care for patients suffering with head and neck cancers and malignant melanoma. In the last decade, we have made huge strides in improving outcomes for people diagnosed with these terrible diseases - but there is still a huge amount to be done. Further breakthroughs will only come through dedicated research - and that needs funding.

I have been lucky enough to have been involved with the CRIS Cancer Foundation for the last 7 years. Initially, I was inspired by the vision of the CRIS family and their relentless drive to generate funding for life-saving research. More recently, I have been fortunate to have received support for my own laboratory's research and, in the last 3 years, I have served as a member of the scientific advisory board that helps CRIS to identify the most promising avenues for research investment in the UK, France and Spain. I can truly attest to the quality of the work that is done with the funds generated in CRIS's name.

So, I am more than proud to have the opportunity to run the Royal Parks Half Marathon in support of CRIS's mission. Please support me in any way that you can to help provide vital funding for more revolutionary cancer research.

Thank you for supporting me today! Your donations are crucial to combat cancer!