I am running the Bristol half marathon in September for the Melanoma Fund because about 2 years ago someone I love very much developed this form of cancer.   We were lucky as we caught it early and thankfully it hadn't spread.  I am grateful every day for this as for many I know this isn't how the story ends. 

Melanoma is an aggressive form of cancer that can spread quickly and has devastating consequences, if caught early however it can be cured.  The Melanoma Fund are a charity dedicated to prevention, early diagnosis and public health awareness and it is for this reason I want to support their work.  As a cancer nurse, and now research manager for cancer here in the South West, I am also aware that we have the highest incidence of melanoma in the country.  I work with some amazing clinicians and researchers to try and make, what can be a really bad situation, that little bit more hopeful and that little bit more bearable, but what we all want is better prevention and for fewer families to go through the pain of losing someone to this disease. 

I will be running with my loved one in mind, but will also be keeping my thoughts with those who have not been as lucky as we were.  I am not a runner, but with the help of my friend Lisa, who is running for The Epilepsy Society we are going to do this.  I would be grateful for any support you can bring to my endeavours and have set up this just giving page if you would like to donate, but encouragement and positive thoughts are also gratefully received. 

Thank you

Julie