Hello wonderful people,

Our names are Mark Sidebottom and Beth Hindley, and this year we've teamed up to tackle the Manchester Half Marathon. This run is more than just a personal challenge; it's an opportunity to support a cause that is incredibly close to both of our hearts. We're running to raise funds for The Christie, a leading cancer care centre that is making a monumental difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families.

Why The Christie?

Cancer is an indiscriminate disease, affecting us all in some way, whether directly or indirectly. We all know friends, family, or loved ones who have battled or are battling this life-changing illness. The Christie stands at the forefront of cancer research and patient care, providing top-tier treatment and pioneering new therapies that offer hope to countless patients and their families. Having witnessed their incredible work first-hand, we felt compelled to support this remarkable institution.

Our Goal

Our aim is to raise £2,000 (originally £250 but we keep smashing the target!) to contribute to The Christie's ongoing efforts in patient care, ground-breaking research, and—perhaps most importantly—nurturing hope. Hope for more effective treatments, improved quality of life for patients, and ultimately, a cure for cancer.

The Journey Ahead

Training for a half marathon is no small task, particularly for those of us who considered a mile to be a long distance not too long ago! But the resolve to support this invaluable cause makes every early morning, every sore muscle, and yes, every bead of sweat entirely worth it. We promise to keep you updated on our training journey, sharing milestones and even documenting our inevitable blisters!

How You Can Help

1. **Donate**: Your donation, no matter how big or small, will make a meaningful difference. Simply click the "Donate Now" button to contribute.

2. **Share**: If you can't make a monetary donation, sharing our fundraising page with your friends, family, and co-workers will also go a long way in helping us reach our goal.

3. **Encourage**: Sometimes, a few words of encouragement can give us the push we need. Drop us a message, give us a shoutout on social media, or if you’re in the Manchester area, consider joining us for a training run!

Your support means the world to us, and it will serve as a tremendous motivator, not only for reaching our fundraising goal but also for crossing that finish line. Together, let's help The Christie continue its invaluable work in the fight against cancer.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Let's make a difference together.

Warmest regards,

Mark Sidebottom & Beth Hindley