My preamble is quite simple.  I am taking part in the Great North Run in Newcastle on 12th September 2021 - the biggest half marathon in the world - for Bowel Cancer UK as part of #teambowelcancer.

Bowel cancer has cast a shadow over my extended family for years and whilst both my father and father-in-law have been incredibly brave in battling and beating this disease, I've also lost my Auntie and Grandmother to it.  I've now got to an age where I'm old enough and wise enough to do something a little silly like running around the North East in September in the hope that I can raise enough money to give someone a chance of beating bowel cancer.  If the money I raise helps even one person either beat cancer, or give them some respite in their battle, then running for a couple of hours is an extremely small price for me to pay.

I appreciate the last 12 months have been hard for everyone, but if this cause has any resonance with you, and you can spare some money no matter how small a donation, please consider sponsoring me.  A heartfelt thanks to everyone taking the time to read this and to those who choose to sponsor me.

And to those that know me and remember me as someone who actively avoided running anywhere and wonder whether I will manage to complete the course - I've been running 10m+ for a while, so injuries and pandemics permitting, I should make it around in approx 2hrs 15mins.

A big thank you to my team Bowel Cancer UK, who have given me the chance to do something positive for them.  A little bit of info about them:

We're the UK's leading bowel cancer charity. We fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care. We're here to stop people dying of bowel cancer.