On 1st July 2026, whilst my dad should’ve been in the midst of enjoying the early retirement he had worked so hard for, our lives were turned upside down. He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of blood cancer called Stage 4a Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

Since the day of his diagnosis, dad has faced this horrible disease head on. Despite everything he has been through, he wakes up every morning with a smile on his face, showing an incredible amount of strength and determination to beat this disease. He is nearly halfway through 6 rounds of the most aggressive chemotherapy, with a long path still ahead. Cancer doesn’t discriminate. My dad has always led an incredibly healthy and active life, working out every day, dedicating himself to his career, travelling the world and making the most of every opportunity life gave him. Yet in an instant, his whole life changed.

The last few months have taught our family something we will never forget: life is far too precious to take for granted. Love loudly. Make mistakes. Book that trip. Take pictures. Laugh until your stomach hurts. And most importantly, do what makes you happy.

That is why we are raising money for Lymphoma Action, the UK’s leading blood cancer charity dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We want to help advocate for better treatment and support so that people living with blood cancer have the opportunity to keep fighting, keep living and keep making incredible memories with the people they love.

Three days before what will hopefully be dad’s final round of chemotherapy, my best friend Esha and I will be running the Sutton Park half marathon to raise money for Lymphoma Action. It will undoubtedly be a challenge for two girls who have never ran further than 10k, but it feels like the least we can do for the man who has shown us what true strength looks like.

Any donation, no matter how big or small, would mean the absolute world to us and will go towards an incredible cause.

For my dad, for everyone fighting this horrible disease and for all the memories still to be made.

Thank you so much for your support.

Priya and Esha