On Sunday 23rd May 2021 I am taking part in the Banham Marsden March to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. This walk was cancelled last year owing to Covid-19 restrictions and again the 'in-person' event has just been cancelled this year for similar reasons but I will be doing the 'virtual' Banham Marsden March at Home and walking in my local area.

My inspiration for doing this walk is my lovely young grandson Angus who, in September 2019, aged just nine years old, was diagnosed with an aggressive blood cancer, T- cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (T-ALL). He is one of under 100 children in the UK each year who receive this devastating diagnosis.

All of our worlds' turned upside down.  Angus has been through a quagmire
of intense  chemo treatment, multiple blood transfusions and a myriad of debilitating side effects but he has now turned a corner and is on a path with a much more positive prognosis.  The planned chemo treatment lasts a tortuous 3.5 years, of which the first 8 months are the most brutal.

Somehow, through all this, Angus has maintained his spirit. His quirky wit, passion for reading and fascination with eccentric facts and all things scientific have stayed firmly intact. His bravery and droll sense of humour throughout the constant medical drama and darkest times have inspired us all.

We have all been humbled by the extraordinary support from incredible teams at the Royal Marsden, St. George's and Evelina hospitals and the overwhelming response from family and friends.

Something good must come of this life changing experience. No child should have to endure this and over the last few decades, research is having a real impact on outcomes. For every child who achieves remission from cancer, typically 66 years of life are gained. Yet because the numbers affected are far fewer than in adulthood, childhood cancer research receives vastly less funding from the major charities.

Angus and his family are working with The Giant Pledge to help beat childhood cancer. Every penny raised goes to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, the UK's largest drug development centre for children and young people with cancer, helping children both nationally and internationally.

Through Angus' Giant Pledge they aim to raise in excess of £100k by the time his current treatment is finished in 2023 and by doing this walk I am hoping to help them exceed their target.

So, please let's raise some money together to beat this awful disease and give future children and their families hope. Every pound counts.

Thank you so much for your support.