On the 5th July 2015 Gary Freeman sadly lost his battle against Cancer.

For those that don't know Gary, he was probably one of the nicest people you'd ever want to meet. Never complaining, he would go out of his way to help anybody. I have personally known Gary for over 15 years as he was the first person that I worked with when I joined Gambro. Our first day together was about 6.00 am in the morning and we were about to drive a truck to Middlesbrough and back, he tossed the keys at me and said "you can drive" as he got in the passengers seat and proceeded to fall asleep. I seem to remember he woke up about 4 hours later!! From that day on I considered Gary more than a work colleague, he was a friend. During the time we worked at Gambro together he worked for me and then after setting his own company he provided a fantastic service to Gambro and it still provides this service to Baxter now.

It was on Monday 15th Feb 2016 after writing a message to Gary's wife Terry about fundraising in his memory that I set myself a target to raise money for a charity. Terry asked if I could raise money for Arthur Rank Hospice as it was such a fantastic charity that helped the whole family deal with Gary's illness and provided support afterwards. For me it was an honour that I could do this for Gary.

After contacting Arthur Rank Hospice they recommended the Cambridge Half Marathon that takes place in late Feb/early Mar each year. It was too late for the 2016 marathon but they asked if I would be prepared to do it for them in 2017. After speaking with Terry and the family to see if that would be OK, I was even more honoured that Shannon, Gary's daughter, asked if she could do the run with me.

8 months later, 4 & 1/2 stone lighter and with plenty of miles under my belt I've had confirmation that I have a place in next years Cambridge Half Marathon. Its been a journey to this point which has included damaged ankle ligaments (should look where I land my feet!) and recovery from shoulder surgery. The work now really starts as although this has meant that I have got much healthier and fitter the whole target was to raise money for the charity and I now need all of your help.

Some of you knew Gary and were at his funeral where we shared many fond memories together. Some of you didn't know him, but please can I assure you that he was one of the good ones that you meet in life.

If you can donate however much you are able to in order to help Shannon and I raise money in his memory for this wonderful charity, it would be very much appreciated.

Thanks very much

Andy Jakes

Shannon Freeman

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