My name is Mark Petersen, 57. I was employed at Gloucester and Cheltenham Hospitals as a Consultant Cardiologist, working there for 20 years. In October 2016, I had an unexpected seizure and was subsequently diagnosed with a brain tumour for which I required surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Despite this, the cancer is incurable although, to date, I remain well. I have been looked after by some incredible people, all of whom have made me feel special and have looked after me and my family with tremendous professionalism and empathy. I therefore wanted to give something back and Focus, who work in the Oncology Centre, at Cheltenham General Hospital, seems like the most appropriate way of doing that. 

I am joined in this effort by members of my family, friends and colleagues. I am also delighted that my exceptional oncologist, Dr Sam Guglani, has agreed to join us as part of the group.

Freya Petersen: 16, starting GCSEs the day after the half marathon, but wanted to support my Dad and all those looking after him.

Emma North (Mark's Sister-in-Law): 52, have always found running a challenge (usually last in school's sports day), but delighted to be raising money for those with much bigger challenges to face.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tabatha-north-emma-north-richard-nunn

Tabatha North (Emma's daughter): 23, psychology graduate, non-runner and nervous about the run. Some training may help.

Rick Nunn (Emma's Partner): 53, 1 heart attack, 2 kids, 4 stents and slightly nervous about being fit enough on the 12th May however really pleased to be part of the team.

Maddie Messenger (Mark's Neighbours' daughter): 17, studying A levels, hope to do medicine at University, cannot think of a better way to get fit and, at the same time, raise money for such a deserving charity.

Cora Croft (my wife's friend's daughter!): 18, this is my 1st half marathon. I am very pleased to be running to raise money for such a good cause.

Andrew Mitchell (Friend): 52, I am the son of the founder of the Tewkesbury Half Marathon (1982), looking forward to running it 37 years after my father and happy to being raising money for such a worthwhile charity.

Ben Webb (one of Mark's oldest friends) : 55, journalist, semi-professional runner. So pleased to be able to join Mark in this endeavour.

Jennifer Soltau (Friend): 57, Accountant & mother, nervous about the run, but training hard and delighted to support our friend and the oncology service at Cheltenham.

Martin Soltau (Friend): 57, aerospace engineer, late convert to running. Devising a way to reduce drag during the run. Glad to be part of it.

Chrissie Jones (Clinical Specialist Nurse): 55, fair weather, intermittent jogger, finding the training a real challenge but determined to achieve it for such a great cause. Chocolate is helping! 

Richard Holborough (Cardiac Physiologist): 34, proud Welsh man, 2 left feet when it comes to running, but honoured to be part of the group in aid of such a great charity. I've seen first hand the amazing work that they do.

Sam Guglani: age undisclosed, Consultant Oncologist at Cheltenham General Hospital, poet and novelist. We are so pleased that Sam has agreed to run with us and for all the support he and his team have given us over the last couple of years.

Our aim is to raise as much money as possible for this local oncology charity supporting cancer patients, their families, friends and staff who treat them.

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