Thanks for visiting my page. If you would like to read my story, I can explain more about why I would like to run 26.2 Miles for the Big-C.

It started with an injury I got running, I was unable to run for over a week so I decided to just get out there and walk instead. On my way up to the riverbank I saw a man in his running gear. So him being a fellow runner, I thought I would say hello and told him I was unable to run as I had a sore ankle. He replied he was also unable to run except he said he had Cancer. I didn’t know what to say, I could see the look in his eyes as he told me not only did he have Cancer, but I could also feel the pain in his voice as he was telling me he could no longer run. I felt that so much as I was feeling my own pain not being able to run, except my ankle would heal and his was terminal Cancer. We said our goodbyes and he said “I hope to see you up here again.” Well that hit me hard… when I got home I thought I have to see this man again. I felt so strong that I wanted to see him again and even possibly walk with him. I asked myself was he alone? Did I just leave a man dying of cancer with no friends? I was unsure. Then I realised I had seen him so many times running before, I just never spoke to him. 

My mum said she always spoke with him. So I left a message with my mum - “when you see that man, tell him I will walk with him. I can meet him every Wednesday at the same place I saw him if he would like”. Mum saw him the very next day - it was fate. I knew we were going to start walking together at some point. I could feel my heart telling me to create a group and it will all come together and there would be more of us. I put it out there “would anyone else like to join us”. Over 50 people joined our Facebook Group. We then organised a walk every Wednesday from the same place I met Ben. Our group did 12 different walks from that meeting point, sometimes over 10 of us was walking up to 2 miles with Ben. What a pleasure it was to have Ben with us every week such a strong man battling Cancer and he did it every week without fail. 

I learnt a lot from Ben. I learnt that one day I will carry myself the same way and hopefully be as strong as him. He’s battling Cancer and he’s still out there fighting every day doing his walks with us without complaining.  Still smiling and chatting with us all. What a strong man. I love him so much for that, I will always remember that strength. Ben is still going strong, he his very poorly now and does not have long left. He goes to the Big C, he meets other people with Cancer and has hot drinks and biscuits there. I told him when I do my first Marathon I will do it for him. I asked which charity he would like me to do it for and he suggested the Big C. 

So there you go, thanks for reading my story. Very sad for me to write that as I picture Bens strength again. Please help me raise some funds for Bens chosen charity. 

Thanks again for reading and thank you everyone who is in our Wednesday Wellbeing Walking group for also being there and supporting Ben on his last days.

Thinking of you Ben and I will complete this Marathon for you my man.

Lots of Love Danny

Big C, established in Norfolk in 1980, is your local cancer charity. Through support, research, equipment and education, they make a difference to the lives of local people affected by cancer. Big C currently has four Cancer Support & Information centres across Norfolk with a new Centre being built to open in Norwich in 2022. The charity also provides support by telephone and online. The Centres are used by thousands of people affected by cancer with trained staff providing emotional help, support and complementary therapies.