Hello everyone...

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

Yes. I really am attempting to run the Edinburgh Marathon in June. I can't believe the day is nearly here after months of slogging round Hove and Brighton and along the cliffs to Rottingdean, Saltdean, Peacehaven, Newhaven etc in the freezing cold, pouring rain, stormy winds and even the odd sunny day.

This being my first marathon, I don't care what time I do it in although I do hope to avoid being swept up by the Slow Police when the roads get re-opened after seven hours or so. I just want to cross the finishing line... preferably not on a stretcher.

Those who've had to witness my incessant moaning and never-ending tales of injury and exhaustion over the last six months will probably find this hard to believe, but this has been an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable (!) experience so far, despite it being the toughest and most demanding thing I've ever undertaken in my life.

However - I know that it pales into insignificance against the day-to-day challenges of living with cancer.

I am running for Macmillan because they are a charity that can make a real difference to someone in the small ways that often get forgotten about. Someone diagnosed with cancer may have to visit hospital three or four times a week for months on end and for people on a low income, this can be financially crippling. If the patient has to give up work as well, this causes even greater anxiety. As well as providing emotional support, Macmillan give grants to patients on low incomes to help with a wide range of practical needs such as travel costs, heating bills, prescription costs, and helping with benefit applications.

According to their research, Macmillan say that money worries come second only to physical pain as a cause of immense stress during a patient's illness. No-one should have to deal with these kind of concerns when battling a life-threatening disease.

If you agree, and would like to sponsor me, you can do it all here through this page. It shouldn't take any longer than about five minutes and is very easy. It doesn't matter how much you give - any amount whatsoever is appreciated very much.

Thanks for reading this far and thanks in advance for your support. It will keep me going on the day!

I think Channel 5 are televising the event - Sunday 11th June - you might get to see me being overtaken by a giant banana.

Love,

Max

Donating through this site is simple and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Macmillan Cancer Support will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.