Why would anyone sign up to a 75km run which includes climbing and descending more than 8,000 ft of British countryside? Well, when you sit in a room listening to your 38 year old wife being told she has more than a dozen tumours in her liver, or the time she was told she has 6 months to live, or hearing the suggestion that she could stop treatment now and enjoy the time she has left with her two young children (6 & 3) AND you watch her not shy away from a grave challenge to her mortality, but rising up, time and time again, researching her disease, finding foundations, expert contacts and complimentary practices she can use to help her slow this juggernaut down. It is inspirational, pure and simple.

In comparison, my act is small. Merely trying to conjure up the bravery, endurance and sheer bloody-mindedness that Dawn has exuded over the past three years in just one 24 hour period where I will attempt to complete 'The Lap' ultra-marathon on the 14th of September.

My aim is to raise as much funds as possible to split evenly between the Kidney Cancer Association, Joeys Wings, KCCURE & The Cynthia Spencer Hospice; all of whom have supported Dawn in different ways:

The Kidney Cancer Association promotes scientific advances through two annual research symposiums and a robust grant program, participates in legislative advocacy, and seeks to be a source of education and resources for patients, caregivers, and anyone impacted by kidney cancer. Thanks to the KCA, Dawn was able to travel to their symposium in Barcelona in April and gave her patient perspective in front of over 300 doctors and researchers. It enabled her to connect with specialists interested in her case and they have continued to support her cancer journey

Joey's Wings were founded by Kathy Liu who lost her son to Translocation Renal Cell Carcinoma (Dawn’s diagnosed disease) at a young age. She determinedly works with scientists and funds research papers to help us understand the disease. This is the only specific TRCC charity out there and has been a source of so much information, enabling further research

KCCURE is a kidney cancer patient advocacy charity. Dena Battle helped Dawn feel hope when she was diagnosed with stage four of the disease and guided her to second opinion doctors to ensure she was on the correct treatment path. Her information about side effects has also been invaluable.

Cynthia Spencer Hospice - the word palliative care sent shivers down our spines when we were first told we ought to have their support. However, their nurses have been amazing support to us. Vicky, Dawn’s wonderful nurse, spends time going through our plans and research with us, she gives clear feedback, always making sure any treatment side effects and pain are well covered with the necessary medication. Some days she is a shoulder to cry on and we've had incredibly tough conversations and some days she keeps us positive and boosts us forward. We couldn't do this without her.

These charities are making a difference and your donation today will help to continue their indiviual missions, bringing more people through to remission or extending the lives and the quality of life for those who are life-limited. What would you do with an extra day with your parent, sibling, partner, child, friend..?