Why I Am Running
After I was diagnosed with leukaemia in 1997, I was very lucky to survive my initial chemotherapy in 2004. I then took up running as my way of fighting back and raising funds. I am sure this helped, and I am so lucky to now participate in a clinical trial, offering one of the new, kinder, targeted treatments resulting from the work of dedicated researchers and fundraisers. 

Running the London Marathon is, in a way, a celebration of the fact that I am well enough to take on this daunting challenge. Many people have not been as lucky as me: Blood cancer remains the third biggest cancer killer.

UPDATE: MARATHON DONE!  GREAT NORTH RUN 2023 done, in my best time for 5 years!  SCOTTISH GREAT RUN (Half marathon, Glasgow) done in my best time for over 10 years.  Yorkshire 10 miles done in a PB!   

Why?  Answer: 1) 18 months of continuous training.  2) My treatment is going well and I feel like I am finally getting my energy back. 3) But probably most of all, the inspiration I got from meeting two of my fellow Blood Cancer UK Ambassadors in Glasgow who inspire me every day to keep going and to keep fundraising. Jude who almost lost her husband to this disease, and Elizabeth Anne who lost her 7-year-old son, Lee.    

So in their honour, I am keeping the page open, and planning to redouble my efforts.  Look out for more exciting news on what I will do next year.  As Elizabeth Anne would say, I'll "live it for Lee".  I do not care how crazy I looked, but shouting out that mantra gave me the extra energy to keep going when I was flagging and truly my better times are thanks to that.  

BIG NEWS: I have written a book; it celebrates running these amazing events, amongst other topics. Proceeds from the book will be donated to Blood Cancer UK. Title: Colours, Medals, and Music: Running My Way Through Leukaemia.  Foreword by Simon Thomas, of Sky Sports,

Update, the Book launch is at Up and Running Store in York, on May 23rd, at 17:30. All are welcome, see below

Your support will massively help all blood cancer patients and their families.   

We're a community dedicated to beating blood cancer. We do this by funding research and supporting those affected. Since 1960, we've invested over £500 million in blood cancer research, transforming treatments and saving lives. Right now, our community is funding 360 researchers and staff across the UK who are searching for the next breakthrough. The day we will beat blood cancer is now in sight and the researchers are determined to finish the job.