On September 30th my incredible and superhuman friend, Sam Edgerley and his mate Joe Franklin will be running 100 miles in one go, starting on the Friday evening and finishing on Saturday afternoon at the Prince Albert pub in Battersea. Myself and three mates (Will Newland, Christian Lewis-Pratt & Caldon Pike) will be joining Sam and Joe to run the last 32 miles. Now slightly eclipsed by Sam's 100 miles, be under no illusions this will be a massive undertaking for me, given a slightly broken body from a rugby career and having never run more than 15 miles. 

The reason for doing this is due to my Dad having lived with Myeloma since 2011. My dad has been fortunate to ride the explosion in new Myeloma drugs which have kept him alive for the past 10 years. The R&D has been massively accelerated by patient inspired fund raising, such as my dads London to Paris Ride, and numerous family & friends events, which funnel money into Myeloma UK's Clinical Trials and Advocacy work. 

By January 2022, my dad had exhausted all the licensed drugs but was lucky enough to get on a trial for a completely new experimental class of drug. He's since suffered six months of the worst bunch of side effects and bad luck, including viral infections, Covid, a damaged sacrum leaving him unable to walk and requiring radiotherapy, his 8th rib fracture and severe anaemia (needing Lance Armstrong style EPO and blood transfusions). But the good news... the results have been spectacular, smashing his Myeloma to the lowest levels since diagnosis. Proof, if ever you needed it, of the value of research, clinical trials and the fund raising that helps make it possible. 

It has been truly incredible to witness the tangible difference that charity events such as this have made to my Dad's and family's life over the past 10 years - the biggest highlight being able to meet his granddaughter and my niece BB.

This is a mammoth, slight scary challenge, but witnessing first hand the strength, perseverance and superman style qualities my Dad has shown and not to mention the funds (a whopping £7k and counting) Sam has raised, is all the motivation we need to get us to the finish line. 

Over the last 10 years, I have been blown away by peoples generosity and support. As always, any donation, however big or small will be greatly appreciated by my family and all the Myeloma community. 

PS - we are inviting as many people to take part in either the marathon or the last 10k at the end and we are encouraging as many to come down to the Prince Albert for celebratory drinks after. 

Thank you 

Joe