On the 23rd September I'm running the Bristol Half Marathon. It will be almost a year to the day since Dad's passing. A mad runner, he actually seemed to enjoy it. In his garage is a 'wall of fame'. That is, there is a photo of each of our family running a half or full marathon. There's a space left for me and I promised him I would fill it. Swimming is my thing, not running. So I've spent the past year training for this. It's been a journey and process of grieving and recovery for me. 

Dad was diagnosed with tongue cancer in 2016 and had half of it removed and replaced with a piece of his arm. He made a fabulous recovery and was due to visit the UK in the summer of 2017 when the cancer struck again. He died just 8 weeks later. We were lucky enough to be able to take the children out to see him before he got too sick. He never lost his sense of humour. He was an extraordinary man and a constant inspiration to me still - not just in running. 

I hope to finish this event, fulfil my promise and raise awareness of mouth cancer. If you can spare a few pounds for this, I would be so grateful. 

Chris x