When my mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I wasn't really interested in the survival odds or statistics. She would get treatment and be alright. She was a fighter; she wasn't going to be beaten by cancer. And after the first rounds of surgery and treatment, it seemed like I was right. She made it through, and looked like she was going to come back stronger. Like I knew she would. And then... Turns out those statistics don't lie. Pancreatic cancer has one of the lowest survival rates, and works fast. I suppose we were lucky that mum was so strong, that she outran the cancer as long as she did. But too many people lose their loved ones too soon, and much more research into early diagnosis and treatment is needed.

Running an ultramarathon is a different kind of tough. I'm never going to pretend that I'm not doing it basically for fun, and because I can. It's going to take resolve and determination to run 31 miles, but that's nothing compared to what those who are affected by pancreatic cancer have to go through. So when the endless training runs - especially those in the cold and dark - start to feel a bit much, it's worth reminding myself of the bigger picture here, and what it's like for those who don't choose to suffer.

We are Pancreatic Cancer UK.

We go above and beyond for everyone affected by this disease. Right now, half of people with pancreatic cancer die within three months of diagnosis. Families are left with only hope to hold onto. They need more. So, we do more.

We bring more breakthroughs through research, more change through campaigning, and more support through our expert nurses. We make more noise because people have gone unheard. We are relentless because the disease is ruthless. We care more because people feel forgotten.