Updated on Feb 18th 2012 at 10:39 PM from the JustGiving API

Thanks so much for the support — it's been amazing! It's the eve of the marathon, my left ankle is killing me and I'm full of cold (not the best prep!) but really looking forward to getting down there tomorrow and running the race! Thanks again; your donations are going to a really heat cause and will help raise awareness and support for bowel cancer victims and their families.

Almost 12 months ago to the day that I'll be running the longest distance of my life — the 13.1 miles, at the Brighton Half Marathon — my girlfriend's father, Tom Mason passed away after a long, and bitter fight against bowel cancer.

 

Because of this, in a few sentences time, I'm going to ask you to dig deep, and donate to Bowel Cancer UK; one of the many charities in the UK campaigning for best treatment and care, and providing practical support and advice for those affected by the disease. 

 

But first, I'll continue with a few memories on one of the most charismatic men I've ever met. 

 

Before Reb and I returned from New Zealand, I'd met Tom for a total of around two weeks. He said, "Sod it!", bought himself a plane ticket, and visited Reb and I at our home in Melbourne. He had just recovered from "Round Two" of the proverbial battle; and although you sensed that cancer had bruised him, he was spritely, quick-witted and affectionately charming.

 

For breakfast on our first morning, he inhaled an extra large helping of ice cream, with the enthusiasm of an 8 year old lad. Over the following weeks, Tom shared stories about his life growing up in the East End of London, including his various run-ins with celebrities, and notoriety, including the legendary Kray twins.

 

The next time I met Tom, was 18 months later, at his home in Reading, England. A little over three months later, he died. 

 

The weeks preceding Tom's death were some of the toughest imaginable. To see someone so vibrant, and energetic get overhauled by cancer is a scary experience. 

 

Surrounding Tom, were the people he loved most. They were bound by a love for a man who had stood like an oak tree at the heart of their family. Surrounding those people, were friends and family; some passing through in moments; some staying a while; some gifting cards and flowers; others sharing tales and jokes. Amongst everyone, were the doctors and nurses, playing their part in making Tom's terminal disease as dignified, and as pain free as possible. 

 

This is why Bowel Cancer UK's work — to encourage people to recognise the symptoms of the disease and to act on their concerns so that they have the best chance of survival — is so important. It can give people a fighting chance; a moment to raise their guard before a rain of blows takes down another oak.

 

I made the decision to brave the winter months, to train hard for this month's Brighton Half Marathon; so provide myself with a platform to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK. With your help, we can make a difference.

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity, and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

 

So please, dig deep and donate now.