Pancreatic cancer is a subject close to me and my family because my father died from it back in 2004 only three months after being diagnosed. This is the tenth most common cancer in the UK and yet it is the fifth most common cause of cancer death here. The problem is that by the time symptoms appear, the disease is very often quite advanced. Only around 3% of pancreatic cancer patients survive the disease for five years or more.

Last year I ran the Sheffield Half Marathon in support of Pancreatic Cancer UK and thanks to the generosity of so many family, friends and colleagues I raised over £700 including GiftAid. This year I'm going one step further (or perhaps several) as I want to continue to help them to work towards things like screening, earlier diagnosis and more successful treatments. My dad was only 59 when he died, and it was a sudden reminder that life is precious, short and you never know what’s around the corner. Running is addictive and enjoyable and by doing so in support of this charity I can not only remember my dad and support a good cause, but also celebrate what we as humans can achieve and the enjoyment we should strive to take from every day.

Yes, a full marathon is a smidge more than a half (what's 13 more miles when you've just done 13?) so this will be a real challenge!