Recently it feels like we have lost so many loved and wonderful people to so many cruel illnesses. I want challenge myself while giving a little back to those places that may try and ease the pain and suffering of those who have to suffer the illnesses themselves, and those who are left behind, and hopefully improve life, love and generally everything for future generations.

I'm aiming to complete a treble of tough running events over the coming months, culminating in trying to complete the Marathon des Sables, otherwise known as the toughest foot race on earth.  First I will be running the London Marathon on 2 October 2022. It will be a poignant time to run in London, I am sure, but hopefully the 3.45am starts to fit in the training will pay off and I'll be able to complete it well. Hopefully, because it's the easiest of my 3 challenges! Next off I will be heading to Snowdonia on 29 October to run their marathon too, I'm sure it will be slightly hillier and conditions not so forgiving as London, but equally I am sure it will be beautiful and will remind me very much of my dad who loved the mountains.

And then if I get through that in one piece, I want to complete the Marathon des Sables in April 2023. This is effectively 6 days
running over 156 miles across the unforgiving Sahara Desert, carrying what I need to survive on my back for that time. Pretty gruelling, pretty difficult, and many don't finish it. I'm going to give it my best.

I'm running these for my dad, my friend Caroline Humber, who
encouraged me into running and joining Desford Striders, my brother-in-law Bill,  and my Uncle David.

My dad was just my best friend, advisor, protector and
guide.  It still hurts to think he isn't here. Dementia is cruel and has
such an effect on loved ones as much as it does those who have it.

Caroline was just a wonderful person with a great husband
and 2 beautiful daughters. She was taken far too soon from her loving family. LOROS helped her through, and still helps her family to this day.

Bill and David were both much loved family members, both
able to make you laugh and smile in their own very different ways. Both missed. Both taken too soon by cancer.