STOP PRESS ..... finished in 4 hours 39 minutes.....very hot out there but happy to have completed it ! Aching a bit now but otherwise OK....thank you for all donations to date and any new donations gratefully received !!

It's been quite an 18 months !!

Many of you were very generous last year in donating to my London Marathon fund in aid of RNIB, following my eldest son Sam's horrific road accident. I am glad to report a year on Sam is doing very well, studying hard for his A levels , back performing on the sports field, and coping well with his visual impairment - inspirational and humbling in equal measure.

Then in January 2010, following a routine medical, ( and in the middle of my training for last years marathon !) I was diagnosed with locally advanced Prostate Cancer - a complete shock considering my then relatively 'young' age ( 49) and the fact that I had no symptoms - and this resulted in an operation to remove the prostate followed by a course of radio therapy later in the year.

I am now having regular PSA checks and although it seems likely that I will be looking at long term containment rather than complete cure, I am grateful to my Oncologist and Surgeon and all the medical team who have given, and continue to give me great support.

I do feel well and positive and I am currently training very hard for this year's London Marathon which I am running on behalf of the Prostate Cancer Charity, to try and raise awareness of Prostate Cancer, the symptoms, and the potentially life saving screening processes.

I had never heard of a PSA ( Prostate - Specific Antigen) test prior to my routine medical...it is a simple blood test which can give an indication of problems and/or potential cancer within the prostate. 

I urge all men over 50 ( or younger if Prostate Cancer is in your family ) to go to your GP and insist on a PSA test which should then become a regular event - there is currently much debate on whether there should be a national prostate screening programme but in my opinion there is no debate to be had - my PSA test has hopefully saved, or at least  extended my life.......so go and get tested now !

....But before you do, please be as generous as you can in supporting me to raise money for the great work that the Prostate Cancer Charity does in supporting those diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and in raising awareness of this dreadful disease.

As I pound the streets these cold mornings and evenings I am only kept going by the knowledge that you are all being so generous....

....so thank you !!

Chris

 

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