On the 23rd of April I will be running the London Marathon in memory of my Dad, Tom Hayes and in aid of the Mater Foundation, in particular cancer research being conducted by Professor Malcom R. Kell.

As some of you may know I lost my Dad/ best friend to cancer in November 2021 and we were and still are utterly heartbroken. Dad was a major advocate of mental health and fitness so I thought the London marathon was the perfect challenge to do in his memory while also raising funds for such an important cause.

Prior to his passing, my Dad was a big supporter of the cancer research programme being led by Professor Malcom R. Kell and for that reason I want to fundraise in his honour. Professor Kell’s research programme aims to directly benefit patients by better understanding tumour growth and spread which will allow cancer patients to be better informed as to timing of therapy in specific sub types. The research also plans to examine on-treatment biopsies and apply novel computerized models to tumour-derived organoids to gain an understanding of resistance to treatment.

My run will kickstart the Tom Hayes Memorial fundraiser which will take place annually to remember my Dad’s legacy.

The Mater Foundation makes a real difference to patients by providing services and funding equipment that otherwise would not exist. Their goal is to improve patient care in the Mater. With fundraising like this we can help them achieve this by investing in state-of-the-art equipment that makes diagnosis and treatment more efficient and effective, enhancing facilities to create a comfortable and caring environment, and financing research that ensures the Mater is leading the way in medical innovation.

Any donations will be extremely appreciated by myself and Professor Malcolm R. Kell