Hi everyone - scarily soon, I'll be running the London marathon for The Institute of Cancer Research.

Most of our lives will be touched by cancer at some point. For me, this began when I lost my mother, Eileen, when I was 5 years old.

So I'll be running with her in my mind.

But really I am running in support of Matthew Rickards - my sister Lucy's husband - and his family, as Matt is currently being treated for a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

He is doing well - he recently beat me at sport while undergoing chemotherapy (which frankly I found to be in very poor taste) - but your support would be very welcome.

So please give what you can - I know how much this cause means for so many of you, too.

Thank you,

Patrick

xxx