Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. In 2016 I was diagnosed with testicular cancer which thankfully was diagnosed and treated but I understand what emotions people go through including immediate family and friends when something like this happens. Fortunately my treatment was successful and during the process all the NHS staff were fantastic.  

In early 2018 I was asked to join the fundraising board at Maggie’s Cancer Support Centre in Swansea – naturally I was honoured and as someone that has been directly affected by cancer, I immediately agreed. Maggie's is solely reliant on the generosity of it's supporters through donations and gifts in wills, and currently requires a minimum of £400,000 every year just to remain open. It receives no government or NHS funding at all. 

The centre, which is in the grounds of Singleton Hospital, offers emotional support and practical advice for people affected by cancer whether it is for a patient, a family member or a close friend. 

By the year 2020, 1 in 2 people will be affected by cancer. In 2016 and 2017 Maggie's in Swansea supported 23487 visitors and the aim is to raise peoples awareness of their centre, so that they can offer support to everyone that needs it. 

The original idea was to complete 4 events in 2018 which included the Mumbles Duathlon, the Darth Mannion swamp run, the Swansea Half Marathon and the Swansea 10km. The four events have now been completed however......! 

I have always said that I didn't have any wish to complete a marathon but I was persuaded to run two. The first was the Valencia Marathon at the start of December which I managed to complete in 4.01hrs and the second was the London Marathon in April 2019 which I completed in 3.57hrs. 

In between the two marathons was a very different challenge 'an Arctic Trek' which consisted of trekking 75km (approx) in 3 days, whilst pulling our own sledge, sleeping in a tent and basically being very uncomfortable!! The temperature dropped to minus 25 which was interesting.

We have smashed our target of £10,000 but any further donations will be amazing for the centre to work with as it would enable them to provide some more much needed support to people when they need it most. 

I would be extremely grateful if you could help me raise funds for Maggie's, it really is an amazing charity and your donation will help them to continue their fantastic work into the future.

Any amount, however large or small is gratefully received and could help someone you know to receive the support they deserve.

Thanks

Matthew