As a Lung Cancer CNS I meet an incredible mix of individuals through my job, both patients and their friends and relatives. We diagnose about 450 individuals a year with a primary lung cancer at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust and unfortunately due to the nature of the presentation this is often at later stage so there are no curative options, only palliative treatments available or supportive care to manage symptoms.

The age range and background of our patients is varied, and there is not always a clear risk factor such as a smoking history. I would like to raise awareness of Lung Cancer to help to not only encourage people to seek help earlier with symptoms, but also try try to raise some funds for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer foundation which not only supports us but also our patients and their families.

I would love to raise an amount to match the number of individuals that we diagnose in a year, so have set this as part of my challenge. Thank you for any support that you can offer.

Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation's Swim The Distance is back again! Running from April until November were looking for you to swim the distance you choose and raise what you can to support all those affected by lung cancer.Since 1990 Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation has funded over £30 million in lung cancer research, lay the groundwork for lung cancer screening, funded the first ever lung cancer nurse specialist, performed the first ever lung cancer keyhole surgery, funded and built the first lung cancer research centre in the UK, campaigned for life-lengthening treatments, raised awareness of lung cancer, challenge the misconceptions around the disease, provided emotional, practical & financial support for thousand diagnosed & living with lung cancer.We're here to ensure no one faces lung cancer alone. Calls to our Ask the Nurse service have increased 61%, whilst our latest Keep in Touch support service is ensuring the most socially isolated are not overlooked or forgotten.