Three months ago, our Uncle Steve lost his battle with cancer – that dreaded 'C word' that sadly affects so many families across Northern Ireland.

He had just turned 44 (albeit with the heart of an 18-year-old) and looked forward to a life of love and happiness with his wife Noelle and their three adoring children, Jessica, Dermot, and wee Eammon.

Steve’s story may have been cut short, but he filled those years with family and friends who miss him that little bit more with each day that passes.

Growing up, Aidan and I looked to Steve not just as an uncle, but a brother. We’ll always remember him as our fun-loving jokester, that one person capable of lighting up a room with his craic and giddy, infectious laugh. Or screaming down the house when Liverpool clinched a last-minute winner... I’m pretty sure his booming voice could be heard all the way from Istanbul on that fateful night in 2005.

I looked back on those fond memories during Steve’s final days in the Hospice, and as difficult as it was to see your childhood hero reduced to a shell of his former self, the staff at NI Hospice truly went above and beyond to ensure Steve was comfortable and calm – even when the cancer was at its most aggressive.

Words simply cannot describe the level of care given to Steve and his close family, and for that, I will be forever grateful for the NI Hospice, its staff, and the volunteers for going the extra mile when we needed them most.

And so, as a small token of our gratitude, Aidan and I will be running the Belfast Half Marathon on behalf of the NI Hospice and we are asking you, our family and friends, to donate whatever you can spare so that the Hospice may continue to offer specialist palliative care to children and adults across Northern Ireland.

Thank you for your time and generosity,

Michael