As some of you may know I recently lost my girlfriend, Natalie, after a long struggle against colorectal cancer at the age of 26. 

Cancer in its many forms is an illness that in time we will be able to control and remove the feelings of dread and fear that come hand in hand with the word - just think less than 100 years ago Diabetes was considered an uncurable death sentence and now with medical help and support sufferers are able to live long and healthy lives. However, until that time comes I feel it is incredibly important to provide support and the best quality care for those unfortunate enough to suffer from an illness that our medical knowledge cannot currently cure and I have seen first hand how much of a difference this support can make to the lives of both the sufferer and their loved ones. It is for this reason I've decided to do my bit to celebrate the memory of Natalie and hopefully help improve the care of sufferers in the local area by raising money for Palliative Care East.

Palliative Care East is a charity dedicated to providing care and services to patient's unfortunate enough to be suffering from incurable illness. They have recently completed the building of a palliative care centre on the site of the James Paget Hospital, the hospital at which Natalie was treated, which will provide a range of services which extend beyond medical care including but not limited to emotional and spiritual support as well as a variety of alternative therapies.

To raise the money, over the course of the year 2013 I will be attempting to run a total of 500 miles and swim 50 miles. I've chosen this as a challenge as cancer is not an illness that can be beaten by one single push, but a battle that starts afresh every day for sufferers and their friends and families. If swimming 50 miles doesn't sound a lot, just realise that I can barely swim the length of a swimming pool currently so it's a good job Natalie gave me some beautiful memories to give me motivation to achieve my goals!

I won't be bugging people for sponsorship incessently as I know how annoying that can be, but if this is a cause that is close to your heart or you just enjoy seeing me be in pain, any donations would be greatly appreciated! If you have any friends or family who may also be interested in this, please let them know as it's the more the merrier!

I'll also be keeping a journal to update you on my progress on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InMemoryOfNatalieWilson for those interested!

Kalvin