Hard to believe it's been over a year now since we lost our good friend Mike Martin to cancer. On 16th September 2023 this wonderfully irreverent, funny, grumpy man with the unforgettable laugh lost his brave battle with this cruel disease and left a huge Mike-shaped hole in the lives of his family and friends.

Since college, Mike, Brian Storey, Jon Jones and myself have met regularly to catch-up, gossip, argue and, most importantly, laugh. On this first anniversary, we really wanted to honour his memory and raise money for charity in the process, so we've decided to run The Hastings Half Marathon in March 2025.

The run takes place every March around the streets of Hastings and St Leonards. As St Leonards was close to Mike's heart, it seemed like the perfect choice, until we realised how hilly it was. However, we figured he would have enjoyed that fact and the thought of us struggling around in the rain, so we're going for it and we'd love your support either by donating, being there to cheers us on or both.

We will be raising funds in aid of Cancer52, registered as a charity in England and Wales (1174569). It represents over 100 predominantly small patient support group cancer charities united by their vision of seeing a better future for everyone affected by the rare and less common cancers, which account for more than half of all cancer deaths in the UK.

Its aim is to promote improved diagnosis, treatment and support for those affected by rare and less common cancers. Cancer52 works on matters that impact on the rare and less common cancer community – defined as all cancers outside the ‘big four’ of breast, prostate, lung and bowel.

Current data shows that 47% of cancers diagnosed are rare and less common cancers, yet they account for 55% of cancer deaths.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.