I am running a (half) marathon in May (already did a full one 12 years ago before I get any dissent!) to raise money in memory of my Dad, Martin Baker, for the male cancer charity Orchid, which is doing really important work to promote prostate cancer research and finding solutions to other forms of male cancer.

My Dad, 'D', 'MB', Martin, sadly passed away from prostate cancer in November 2022, having been diagnosed at a very late stage in 2018. He would have undoubtedly benefitted from mandatory screenings, interventions and greater awareness of the risks of not getting checked.

I am running the Hackney half in his memory (and, more fittingly, going to the pub after, also in his memory). MB always said he hoped his experience could be used in some way to help other men recognise the risks earlier, so this race is a small but hopefully significant contribution to that aim.

Any donation of any size to Orchid would be hugely and warmly appreciated.

Orchid also adds:

Over 58,000 people will be diagnosed with prostate, testicular or penile cancer every year in the UK.

Orchid exists to save lives from testicular, prostate and penile cancers through a range of support services, pioneering research and promoting awareness.

Thank you so much for making a donation to Orchid. As a small charity, your support means a great deal to us.

Every year 50,000 men will be diagnosed with a male cancer this year and your donation will make a big difference.

Thanks so much for reading and for any donation you are able to give.

I will try to run the race in around 1 hour 45 minutes but this is not legally binding.

Pat