Arctic Half Marathon – Running to Support Cancer Patients

I never thought I’d be signing up for an Arctic Half Marathon while facing cancer myself — but here I am.

Thanks to inspiration from friends and a small group of intrepid adventurers (Lotta, Janet and Di), this year, I’ll be running across ice and snow in freezing conditions to raise funds for Citizens Advice, a charity that is making a huge difference to people like me who are living with cancer.

Why I’m Running

A cancer diagnosis turns your world upside down. Alongside the shock and treatment, you suddenly face practical challenges you never imagined:

Money worries when work becomes difficult or impossible

Employment rights and how to talk to your employer

Housing and bills when finances are stretched thin

Benefits and entitlements that can feel overwhelming to navigate

Citizens Advice is there to help people through all of this. Their trained advisors give free, confidential, and independent support — helping people focus on their health instead of drowning in stress about paperwork, debt, or job security.

Why Citizens Advice Matters

When you’re living with cancer, every bit of energy counts. Having someone who understands the system, who can fight your corner, and who can take some of that weight off your shoulders, makes an enormous difference.

That’s why I want to give back. By taking on this challenge, I hope to raise funds so Citizens Advice can keep being there for anyone facing cancer who needs them.

The Challenge Ahead

The Arctic Half Marathon is no ordinary run. I’ll be covering 21km in sub-zero temperatures, battling icy winds, frozen ground, and the physical limits of my own body. It will be one of the toughest things I’ve ever done — but compared to the challenges faced by people diagnosed with cancer every day, it’s worth every step.

How You Can Help

Your donation, no matter how big or small, will go directly to Citizens Advice so they can:

Support cancer patients with expert advice when they need it most

Ensure no one has to face financial or legal struggles alone during treatment

Give people the confidence and guidance to move forward with their lives

Every pound makes a real difference. Together, we can make sure that while cancer changes lives, it doesn’t have to take away people’s rights, security, or dignity.

💙 A Personal Note from Me

Cancer is now part of my life — but it won’t define me. This disease has taken away family and friends and will affect at least 1 in 2 of us during our lifetime.

This run is my way of showing strength, hope, and determination in the face of something that tries to take those things away. Every mile I run is a reminder that we can push back, that we can keep moving forward, and that none of us are ever truly alone.

If you can support me, you’ll also be standing with thousands of others facing cancer, making sure they get the advice and help they need when life feels overwhelming.

Thank you for reading, for supporting, and for believing in this cause.