Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On 22 October 2014 I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma (A blood cancer). The next 9 months of my life were spent going through treatment and (successfully) fighting off this disease. With the amazing support of my family, friends, girlfriend and the support of several charities (including Macmillan, Teenage Cancer Trust and Make A Wish to name a few), I was able to beat cancer, and I finished treatment on 21st June 2015 - receiving the all clear.

I was blessed to have the support of my family who were nothing short of amazing, as well as my friends and girlfriend who really made the difference in getting through a tough time. I know I was lucky to have had the support from these people in my life, and I know a lot of people aren't as lucky in terms of having that kind of support around them. That's where Macmillan are amazing, my Macmillan nurse kept me in check from the start and provided constant support which I don't know what I'd have done without. They made it much easier for myself, and I know they are important to many many others faced with the same situation I was in. I am determined to repay those that helped me and especially those who continue to do great work for others, and raising money for Macmillan by running the Great North Run is one of the ways I'm planning on giving back to these charities, and also to try help support others going through what is inevitably a very tough time.

I've spent the past year building up my strength and fitness again, and I feel I'm almost back in the best condition in my life. Anyone who knows me knows I am most certainly not a runner, and can safely say i've never ran more than a couple kilometres in my life. Taking on the Great North Run is a brand new challenge that I can take on with the aim of trying to support others in getting through a tough period.

Thank you for taking time to read this,

Matt Rowan

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