***MY STORY***

On 27th April 2025, I am going to be running my very first marathon to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. 👏👏👏

And it’s by no means a small feat, for a non-runner who spends most of his days behind a desk. 👨‍💻

But it’s in aid of a fantastic cause which is very close to my heart. Because I received a diagnosis of skin cancer in 2019.

It was a bittersweet year, with news of our baby daughter’s arrival to the world being shadowed by the news that I had a melanoma that was dangerously close to my bloodstream - only 0.14 mm away in fact. 😳

With the help of my family and friends, and the wonderful people at Macmillan, I not only got to welcome my baby girl into the world but I’ve made a fantastic recovery. I cannot thank them enough. 💚

So, I have pledged to raise £2500 for Macmillan and run the London Marathon in 2025.

I’ll be posting regular videos of my training in preparation for the big day, and I’ll be so grateful of any support I can get for undertaking this massive challenge. So if you are able to spare any money for these amazing lifesavers, you can donate through my fundraising page.

Thank you!!

***TRAINING UPDATE***

I suffered a severe injury to my ankle which has prevented me from running the 2024 London Marathon. 😢

I was told by my physio that this is a common problem which can occur especially to those with no prior running experience when trying to build long distance running ability in a short time frame.

It was devastating news, which initially left me feeling like I’d let down Macmillan Cancer Support and all those who have sponsored me so far.

But that was when Macmillan once again showed how amazing they are, offering to defer my place until 2025. 🙏

I am so grateful for their kindness and support, which not only enables me to continue raising funds for them over the coming year, but will allow me to proudly cross that finish line, feeling stronger than ever after recovering from my cancer diagnosis only a handful of years ago.

Thank you so much to all those who have sponsored me so far, and as I slowly build myself back up in training, I will continue to raise funds for this amazing charity.

***UPDATE***

We’re almost at race day... and I’m determined to smash it - for all those suffering with cancer, and all the wonderful people supporting them.

As I wear the Macmillan Cancer Support t-shirt during my training sessions, I witness the genuine kindness and support of the community. People often smile and wave me on, offering words of support, knowing that I am devoting time to run such long distances, whatever the weather, enduring through fatigue and injury, determined to help others.

Just like in every aspect of our lives, things don’t always go to plan. It might rain on 27th April, so I’ve trained in both rain and shine. I am likely to feel fatigued, so I have trained to endure through the pain. And I may not feel 100% on the day, so I have now trained when I don’t feel at the top of my game.

I am proud to be running in aid of such a fantastic cause, to help Macmillan in their continuing efforts to support cancer sufferers and their loved ones when they need it the most.

The stats say 1 in 2 of us are likely to suffer from cancer in our lifetime... 😳 that's really scary, and shows just how much this horrible disease impacts all of our lives.

I am determined to endure the gruelling 26.2 miles to show how thankful I am to the wonderful people at Macmillan. I literally cannot thank them enough with words for all that they have done for me and my family. 💚

Anything you can give to this wonderful charity is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much to all those who have sponsored me.

*** I DID IT ***

I did it… I completed the London Marathon! 🥳

Honestly, there were moments when I thought I wouldn’t be able to make the finish line, but I actually did it!

I “hit the wall” at 21 miles and, my goodness, it was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced! Best way I can describe it: it body felt like all the reserves had drained and I simply couldn’t go on. In those moments, the thing that got me through was the support of the amazing people on the Macmillan cheer points, and knowing that my family was waiting for me just past the finish line. I took a moment to remember why I was running the marathon, dug down deep, and pushed on.

And… I finished 4 hours 52 minutes and 18 seconds - admittedly, slower than I’d planned but the heat was immense (topping 22°) so I was so thankful for the showers around the course! 🥵

Well done to all those running in aid of their chosen charity - you did them proud.

It was an epic challenge and unforgettable experience. I’ve almost reached my fundraising target of £2500 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support - the nurses who saved my life in 2019 and the charity which continues to help those suffering from cancer and their families - so a massive thank you to all those who have donated to this wonderful charity. 💚

Now, I’m going to have a well earned rest… until next year?? 😅