I’m taking on the Great North Run this September for the first time in 20 years. Suffice to say I’m no longer the 21 year old whippet I once was, so this is going to be a decent challenge for me.

I got back into running in January when putting in the miles for Prostate Cancer UK, and was blown away with the support and generosity to get to, and beyond my target. This time around I’m running for Cancer Research UK to acknowledge and support the wider impact the much feared disease has had on my family and friends.

My mother-in-law has come through cancer but now adapts to life with a stoma bag, as well as my uncle. My father-in-law is still not out of the woods with his prostate, post-removal, and it’s a daily reminder that the disease comes but doesn’t want to leave. It has an impact on us all either directly or indirectly.

So the money raised is vital in funding research, clinical trials and giving every opportunity to take down this cruel disease once and for all. That has been my motivation during training, and will be my strength when the lungs are burning and the legs are heavy on race day.

Your generosity was insane at the start of the year, so I thank you once again and hope that you can continue your support in fighting the good fight.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.