Cancer Research has been a huge part of my life .  Throughout my medical career, it has been a great privilege to be able to help 2 groups of cancer patients - one group in the here-and-now, in clinic and on the wards, and a second in the future, through cancer research.

I’ve been very fortunate that much of the cancer research with which I’ve been so lucky to be involved — for more than 30 years, now! - has been supported by donations through cancer research charities.  Acknowledging, reluctantly, that my own cancer research career is nearer to its end than its beginning, I’ve been increasingly turning my thoughts to future cancer research which will be done by others, not by myself.

So, I’m now running my first half-marathon to support the next generation of cancer researchers, through Cardiff University’s Future Leaders in Cancer Research (FLiCR) scheme.

I set up FLiCR, 2 years ago, together with fantastic colleagues in Cardiff University and at Cardiff’s Velindre Cancer Centre.  The aim is to support the career development of our most promising cancer doctors and cancer research scientists in making a real difference to future cancer patients, in Wales and world-wide, through truly excellent cancer research.  

In our first two years of FLiCR, we’ve already invested £50,000 in supporting our first two groups of Future Leaders.  Our wonderful colleagues in Cardiff University’s Development and Alumni Relations team (DEVAR) are once again helping us to raise a third year’s funding for FLiCR through the Cardiff Half-Marathon.   

It feels like the least I can do is to pull on my running shoes and show my support by making a real effort, personally, to support future cancer research.  Whether you feel able to donate or not, if you’re local to Cardiff, you can support our efforts by coming along, on Sunday, 7th October 2018, to cheer on #TeamCardiff.

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