I wanted to do something for Cancer Research UK as 2015 brings a couple of big anniversaries for me. Firstly it's 20 years since my mum died of breast cancer at the age of just 49. Then in June I will have been in remission from thyroid cancer for 10 years.

Cancer Research does some great work. As just one example, studies they've funded in the last few years would mean that if I had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer now rather than 11 years ago I would likely be give a much lower dose of radiotherapy treatment resulting in a lot fewer nasty side effects. However with over 200 different types of cancer they have a long way to go in the search for cures. 

I'll be walking 50km along the Grand Union Canal from London to Watford. It's pretty daunting as it's than double the maximum distance I've ever walked before (and that took all day!), but I'm determined to do it for such a good cause.

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