Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page.

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the charity sector hard. Charities have had no government support. Young Lives vs Cancer (formerly CLIC Sargent) have had to restructure the charity while continuing to work hard to  support families of children who are living with cancer. With less staff and increased workload, they have effectively had to double their efforts during the course of the pandemic.  

So for this year's challenge I am doubling my efforts.  I will be running the Berlin Marathon and London Marathon on back to back weekends (on 26 Sept and 3 Oct respectively). 

I am doing this to raise money to support the families of children who have been diagnosed with cancer. Young Lives vs Cancer offers a lifeline to families who are having to endure every parent's worst nightmare. I am doing this for my high school friends Sara and Richard  whose son, Georg, was diagnosed with Leukaemia at the age of 4. Young Lives vs Cancer supported them throughout the 3 gruelling years of treatment; happily Georg is now cancer free. I have seen first-hand the incredible work Young Lives vs Cancer does - visiting one of their Homes from Home - free accommodation for families, close to where their children are receiving life saving treatment.

Last year, I fulfilled my commitment to run the London Marathon as a virtual event on 4 October 2020 - five and half hours in the pouring rain with no support made it a fairly a miserable experience! This year (travel and social distancing restrictions permitting!) I am looking forward to running two amazing (actual) events in two great cities to raise money for Young Lives vs Cancer. In preparation for the marathons, I will also be running the London Landmarks Half on 1 August 2021 and also the Vitality London Big Half on 22 August 2021. 

I have met some incredible people through fundraising for Young Lives vs Cancer - some who have survived cancer and have come back to run the marathon; Guinness Book of World Record holders; and some incredible selfless people who have dedicated their lives to fundraising. I feel privileged to be associated with these people, just through being on the same team.  

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

David 

When cancer strikes young lives Young Lives vs Cancer helps families limit the damage cancer causes beyond their health. We provide specialist support, to help and guide each young cancer patient and their family. For more information, visit www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk