I wasn't planning on running the Edinburgh and Jersey marathons for charity as there hasn't been a cause that has really meant a lot to me, but unfortunately my dad was diagnosed with inoperable Pancreatic Cancer in April 2015 and will sadly be taken away from us too soon.

The only way to describe my dad is to say he is an absolute legend! He is a warm, caring, devoted family man to 10 children and 15 grandchildren. He has touched and changed the lives of many, and it will be an absolute loss to all to see him go.

Although I have run two marathons before, I am determined to beat my current time of 3:29:00. I have been training since December 2014, and it is taking a lot of hard work and dedication, but fingers crossed I will make it for me, my dad and all those who are fighting, have survived and have sadly been lost to Pancreatic Cancer.

As Pancreatic Cancer doesn't usually give rise to any signs or symptoms in the early stages, it is often diagnosed late which reduces the chances of fighting it. The survival rate is only 5%, yet it receives less than 1% of cancer research spend.

Pancreatic Cancer UK is the only national charity fighting cancer on all fronts - support, information, campaigning and research. Their goal is to double the survival rate within 5 years. 

Your donation will directly fund innovative research to help make a breakthrough on prevention and treatment of Pancreatic Cancer; £55 could help support one individual affected by Pancreatic Cancer and £100 could help fund one day of research.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.