**THIS IS MY SECOND ATTEMPT AT RUNNING THE LONDON MARATHON DUE TO INJURY - ALL OF THE MONEY RAISED IN SUMMER 2022 HAS BEEN ADDED TO THIS FUNDRAISER - THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS ALREADY DONATED, THERE IS NO NEED TO DONATE AGAIN**

**IF YOU CAN'T REMEMBER IF YOU HAVE ALREADY DONATED, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE OLD PAGE TO CHECK https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-harrison101**

An avid competitive swimmer in my teen years, I'd never really got on with running - a fish out of water. So when swimming pools shut during lockdown, I had to switch over. After getting into the swing of it, I challenged myself to run the half marathon distance at the Great Bristol Run - upon crossing the line, I vowed never to do it again. Fast forward half a year (where I've run very little) and I've chucked myself in at the deep end again, with the new goal of completing the London Marathon under four hours.

Diagnosed with Stage 4 Burkitt's lymphoma aged 10, I underwent eight months of chemotherapy and numerous complications associated with near-zero immunity. Fortunately I received excellent medical care and had an incredible support network around me. Having been in remission ever since and considered 'cured' in 2015, I have grown to realise that my experience, however traumatic at the time, could've been a lot worse under different circumstances. That's why I feel implored to fundraise for a charity who have a track record in improving blood cancer patients' situations. I want to achieve my sub four hour goal not just for my own pride, but to demonstrate to people earlier on in their blood cancer journeys that a diagnosis doesn't have to hold you back once in remission. 

Blood Cancer UK are a community dedicated to beating blood cancer. They do this by funding research and supporting those affected. Since 1960, they've invested over £500 million in blood cancer research, transforming treatments and saving lives. Right now, their community is funding 360 researchers and staff across the UK who are searching for the next breakthrough. To help this cause and pay back a debt of gratitude, I'm aiming to smash my fundraising target of £2,000. The day the human race beats blood cancer is now in sight.