I'm planning to complete my first ever half-marathon in memory of one of my oldest and dearest friends who was sadly lost to oesophageal cancer this year. Paul Greaves, he was a great friend, husband and father.  He was with his wife Lucy  for 24 years and they had 3 girls and 3 dogs, this was his world. He was a man who just loved his family, and was happy with life. He had an amazing sense of humour, he had lived his life to the fullest, experienced so much fun and so many laughs.  He had good friends and he and Lucy were looking forward to spending the rest of their lives together, they were not just partners but best friends. 

Around Christmas last year he got a bad back and by the time he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer that had spread, it was too late to save him. We lost him in March after a terribly brutal illness. He kept his strength and sense of humour until the last moment. 

Paul is missed everyday and was loved so much it can’t be measured, life for his family is now lived alongside his memory instead of alongside him, but they try to make him proud along the way. They are very grateful that others will hear his story, and that he is not forgotten.

Andrew has always hated running and drunkenly agreed to take part in to Standard Chartered Half Marathon in Hong Kong.  After agreeing to do it, he enrolled hoping he wouldn't  make the cut but he did.  Running for Paul is the only thing motivating him to get up at 5.30am every morning and train 5 times a week.  At the moment he's only managed 10k but still has 2 months training.  Any sponsorship will be greatly received for a great cause.

Running in support of OPA means so much to the family, and it would have meant the world to Paul (although he'd of said otherwise and told me not to be daft).We want to think that other families in our position and in the position Paul was in will benefit from much needed support they offer. 

For more than three decades, the OPA has been at the forefront of the battle against oesophageal and gastric cancers. Their primary mission is to provide assistance to patients, families, and caregivers while promoting awareness about these types of cancers and their prevention. Whether you are in the early stages or further along in your journey, the OPA is dedicated to offering support and guidance.