I was due to run the 2024 Manchester Marathon but in 2023 I first Broke my ankle in August, that was a minor set back, I thought I could still run it with a reduced training plan and target. However, further disaster struck and in October, I was diagnosed with Oropharyngeal Cancer. I underwent 3 operations at the end of 2023 then started radiotherapy in January until March 2024. Unsurprisingly I had to defer my Marathon place to 2025 and I am running on the 27th April.

While going through treatment I formed Kieran’s Kit Quest, I’ve been collecting signed sporting goods and auctioning them with all the funds going to the following charities: Maggie’s, Movember, My Black Dog and St. George’s Hospital Charity.

After my diagnosis I had my first Operation at St. Georges Hospital on the 20th November 2023, initially it went well though a few hours after being in recovery I had a haematoma and had to go back in for emergency surgery. The surgeons (particularly my consultant Mr Takkar) were brilliant at keeping me calm and did a great job patching me back up. The initial operation was a success as they removed tumours from my right tonsil and my lymph nodes. I then had a further operation on the 18th December to remove some further tissue.

St Georges helped my Father in law Michael who had a quadruple heart bypass in February 2024. My Daughter Sienna had her appendix removed at St. George’s Hospital in December 2024. So as a family we have a lot to be grateful to St. George’s for, the staff are friendly, reassuring, clinical and caring. I want to try and help support them and the charity by running the Manchester Marathon.