Hi All,

Thanks for visiting my Just Giving page.

I would like to ask for your sponsorship to support Macmillan Cancer Support.

I am running the Great South Run on 30th October 2011 for this fantastic charity as they helped look after my Dad in the last few days of his life with such sensitivity and support when he died 8 years ago of lung cancer at the age of 59!
With Macmillan, the much criticized NHS, family and the insistence of my Dad, he was able to leave hospital and spend his last days at home - which I know was really appreciated by my Mum.

I know lots of people are touched by this terrible disease in one way or another - and the experience taught me the valuable lesson that you have to look after yourself if you want to be around longer. I have recently lost 4stone in weight and took up running more seriously about a year ago with this lesson in mind. When I entered the run last year, I could manage about 3.5 miles, but I plodded around in about 40mins - so 10 miles seemed a fair challenge. I can now run 10 miles in around 1hr 25mins, but hope to be close to 1hr 15mins on the day. I have now also entered the Reading half marathon and London marathon for next year. 

Just a bit more about my Dad - he was a lovely man, hardworking, respectful, loving with a cheeky sense of humour and a soft spot for the odd glass of red wine. He worked hard, but he taught me the importance of looking after your family and the way that you should make the best of what you've got. I can still remember him coming home from work late at night (second job working as a wine waiter in a London hotel) bearing gifts and leftovers - something I always looked forward to. 
Of course I miss him, especially now I am a Grandad myself, and wish he was still around to see how his grandchildren have grown up - I know he would have been so proud.

My only regret is not being there to support my Mum as much as I should have, but have my Sister to thank for doing a brilliant job in that area - especially as my Mum suffered a terrible car accident a few years ago -  and has made an amazing recovery - I'm so proud of you both! X

Anyway, back to Macmillan - they did a fabulous job, made those last days more comfortable for my Dad and those around him and asked for nothing in return. So, better late than never, this is my way of saying a MASSIVE THANK YOU.