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In 2014 I set myself the mammoth challenge of running 3 marathons for Macmillan in memory of my gran, papa and father-in-law. Sadly injury intervened during the 2nd marathon and I was unable to run the 3rd, instead taking up cycling for the first time since I was a child and completing my first ever cycling event! But now I have unfinished business...

I committed to running 3 marathons for Macmillan, so in 2015 I will complete my challenge by running the Paris Marathon in April. 

But that's not enough for me! I am going to extend my challenge to include the Etape Caledonia, an 81 mile cycling event, in May (with a 46 mile "warm up" at the Tayside Challenge the week before!). I will then take on a multi-race challenge at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival - 5k, 10k, half marathon and the final leg of the marathon relay - at the end of May. Phew!

I'm continuing to support Macmillan Cancer Support because they play a vital role in helping to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. When my gran was diagnosed with cancer in 2005, it was the Macmillan Nurse who was instrumental in having her admitted straight away to the hospice in which she spent her last days, receiving the care she needed from friendly, experienced and positive people. Care that was imperative not just for my gran, but also for my papa who, due to his age and health, would not have been able to manage alone.

When my father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan was once more there to support both him and the family throughout his short but brave battle and beyond.

Macmillan makes sure that nobody goes through cancer alone, but they can't provide that vital support without our help. It is expected that by 2030, 4 million of us will be living with or beyond cancer. The need for Macmillan's work will therefore increase dramatically and as much as 98% of their income comes from voluntary giving and fundraising, so your donation really can help make a difference:

£25 will pay for a Macmillan nurse for an hour, helping patients and their families receive essential medical, practical and emotional support that prevents people feeling like they're facing cancer alone.

£200 will fund a Macmillan Grant that helps a person living with cancer to heat their home when they really need it. Solving this one issue can reduce stress and make people feel more in control of their situation. Every day more than 32 people in the UK receive heating grants from Macmillan.

£750 will operate the Macmillan Support line for an hour. In this time, cancer support specialists could answer 27 calls and emails from people who want questions answered, need practical or financial support, or just want to chat.

As Macmillan's slogan says, we are all affected by cancer and we can all help. I'm helping by donning my trainers once more for an all-new running challenge and by stepping up my new-found enjoyment of cycling. Please support me by donating and helping to improve the lives of those battling cancer now, those whose battle has yet to begin and anyone who has in any way been affected by cancer. Together, we can make a difference.

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