On 27 July 2012, Emma was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. I (Emma's now-husband) remember the date vividly as it was the day before we went on our summer holiday and I asked her to marry me. We have been immensely blessed to benefit from the research done by the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and from the care of the medical team at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea (which works closely with the ICR). Since then we have been on what might seem like our very own and very personal marathon journey...two rounds of surgery, intensive radiotherapy, a wedding and a new job (how's that for an awful Richard Curtis-esque film title?).

Now - to really kick cancer's proverbial arse - and to raise money for this fantastic cause, Emma is running the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October for the ICR. I am so immensely proud of my wife and all that we have weathered to date. So many people - family, friends and innumerable others have shown us huge compassion, love and kindness - it's our turn to show our gratitude and the BEST way of doing this is to contribute to the incredible work that ICR does to find a cure for cancer.

In breaking with all tradition and aversion to exercise I, Sehar, am also running the half marathon. We will unashamedly be hounding all of you for sponsorship - please dig deep and sponsor us for this brilliant cause. Thank you so much for all that you have done and, in advance, for your huge generosity - it really does mean the world to us both.

Love,

Emma and Sehar xx