If you're reading this then you either have a connection with myself or my great, late friend Mr Neil Oakley. I'd like to start by paying tribute to him. 

I first met Neil on my first day of University and am proud to say that from that day onwards until the day he was sadly taken away from us he was one of my best friends. He was easily one of the most positive, kind, caring, unselfish, fun-loving and generous guys I've ever known and no matter what difficulties he faced, especially during the many years that he was in and out of hospital, he always did so with a smile on his face. On top of all this, a hug from 'The Bear' was without doubt the best you could ever imagine, so the charity that's begun in his name is defintely the most apt name that could ever be given - 'Bear's Hug'! 

Earlier this year I decided that I would like to do something to try to raise some funds for this wonderful man and I also hoped it would hopefully go some way to to keeping his memory alive too.  Now that day is now nearly upon us. On Sunday 20th October, I will be taking part in the York Marathon and am asking for sponsorship that will be split between the Royal Marsden Hospital (which Claire tells me did a lot for her and Neil throughout all of his time he was under their care)  and to go towards Neil's children: Freddie (5) and Edie (3) so that it can hopefully help them with anything that their mum decides is best for them as they grow up. 

Any donation is most welcome and will be going towards a VERY good cause & will hopefully help to ease the leg pain, blisters and psychological battle that I'm having with myself over having to run for 26.2 miles / around 4 hours (hopefully!).