My cousin Ian Thompson died in November 2021 from oesophageal cancer. He was 52. 

On October 9th, I'm planning to run the Royal Parks Half Marathon in his memory, and to raise funds for Heartburn Cancer UK, the oesophageal cancer charity.

Cancer of the oesophagus is growing rapidly in incidence across the UK and is the seventh biggest cancer killer. Currently, survival rates are poor - in part because diagnosis, as in Ian's case, is often made when the condition is too advanced to be treated; early symptoms are few and are often ignored.  Persistent heartburn is a significant symptom of oesophageal cancer, hence the name of the charity.

Friends will know that I try to run a few half marathons each year. Because it is something I do regularly, I don't tend to ask for sponsorship. However, on this occasion I am making an exception to raise money for this important cause. If you feel able to chip in, then please do so. Thank you.