At the very end of 2011 a good friend of mine died of pancreatic cancer aged just 25. I met Ben Sharp at Shenfield School in year 7 and probably spent thousands of pounds on our phones talking for hours after school also. Unfortunately we fell out of contact shortly after leaving school but Ben contacted me 18months ago with the horrid news of his diagnosis. The thing that struck me most about Ben was his pure determination not to let any of it get in the way, and made the best of it. He ALWAYS had time for people and would do whatever it took to help you out, even towards the end when he could barely move without feeling tired. Stories at his funeral from family, friends and even his boss just showed how great Ben was and how sorely he will be missed.

Saint Francis Hospice bend over backwards to help people like Ben. It's quite fitting that we all try and raise as much money as possible for them and help them out, because I am sure if Ben was still alive today, he would be doing the same, even if it meant crawling over the finish line...as long as there was food at the end of it ;)

So please dig deep and donate now, or I will hunt you and your credit cards down.

Thank you so much

A very lazy, desk burdened, out of shape Mike Donaldson