My first grandson was taken ill quite suddenly aged just over one year old. The subsequent diagnosis of Neuroblastoma left him facing a long, painful and ultimately unsuccessful treatment in Hospital. He died without reaching his third birthday in 2006.

On average in the UK, 2 families per week discover that their child has neuroblastoma. The charity Neuroblastoma UK directly supports research projects aimed at finding new, effective and kinder treatments for these young children. As there are no paid staff or plush offices, 95% of all donations directly fund the research.

My wife and I have been fundraising for many years and this year I have decided to run the London Marathon on one of the charity places. Although I have been a runner for nearly forty years, the 26 miles will be a first for me.