In late 2015, my cousin Dave was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer caused by breathing in asbestos dust. He had surgery to remove his left lung just before Christmas and is undergoing a course of chemotherapy over the next few months. He has just turned 40 and has never knowingly worked or come into contact with asbestos in his life.

He has been writing a blog (davestaleyblog.wordpress.com) and wants to raise awareness of mesothelioma, in particular research into effective treatments. I want to help him do this and raise funds through running the London Marathon, specifically targeting money raised towards the British Lung Foundation's Mesothelioma Research Campaign.

There’s currently no cure for mesothelioma, and more than 90% of people die within three years of diagnosis, which is why money is so desperately needed. You can read more about their campaign at www.blf.org.uk/Page/Meso-campaign

Since November 2015, Dave's blog has been viewed by over 7,500 people in 36 countries. In a post just after his surgery, Dave writes,

"We were told by one of our consultants, “It will feel like you have been hit by a truck, and that each step would be a marathon”. Looking back over the last 10 days, I wouldn’t argue with this advice (even though I have never run a marathon!!!)."

Dave can't run a marathon, but I can, which is why I have chosen to take up my club place (Team Bath AC) and run for the British Lung Foundation to raise both awareness and vital funds.

Please support us and the campaign, every donation counts.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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