This July 2025, we are taking on the challenge of the Mighty Hike, a half marathon in aid of Macmillan who have been incredible in supporting our good friend Simon Ruskin throughout his cancer journey. Simon is 48 year old father of five and has been married to Angela for 25 years. This incredible family have been hit so hard by this life altering disease, the past 6 months have been hell for them all.

In January 2025 Simon was diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal Cancer, a rare and aggressive cancer that only affects around 260 a year in the UK. The treatment for this and other head and neck cancers is intense and brutal.

Before treatment even started Simon had to have 4 healthy teeth out and a PEG (stomach tube) fitted. At times his pain was so severe he had to have a number of over night stays in hospital just to manage it.

In February Simon started treatment for his cancer, this included 2 rounds of Chemo and Radiotherapy 5 days a week for 6 weeks. During the treatment Simon stopped being able to eat, he ended up on a morphine driver to manage the excruciating pain he suffered with constantly.

He suffered every symptom you can get from infections to a blood clot. We have all been in awe of his bravery, he stoicism through everything g he has had to deal with and his determination to beat this awful disease.

From the minute he was given the diagnosis the Macmillan nurses were there and haven’t left his side since. Tara and Sarah have been nothing short of angels and he couldn’t have got through some of the days without their support.

Simon is now in an awful and agonisingly stressful period of waiting to see if the treatment has worked. We hope with all our hearts that it will be good news in the summer.

Please show your support by donating to this amazing charity that do so much for people like Simon and his family.