Big C, established in Norfolk in 1980, is your local cancer charity. Through support, research, equipment and education, they make a difference to the lives of local people affected by cancer. Big C currently has four Cancer Support & Information centres across Norfolk with a new Norwich Centre being built to open in summer 2023. The charity also provides support by telephone and online. The Centres are used by thousands of people affected by cancer with trained staff providing emotional help, support and complementary therapies.

I got told I should make this a “bit more personal” which, as a pretty private person, I’m usually reluctant to do. However, in the interest of hopefully raising a few extra pounds for this great cause, I thought I should probably give it a go…

Back in 1998, I was 7 years old and diagnosed with Leukaemia - a type of blood cancer which affect blood cells in bone marrow. I spent a lot of time in hospital going through treatment and bouts of chemotherapy. Through the support of my family and friends as well as countless doctors and nurses at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, I lived to tell the tale.

Being diagnosed so young, there’s a lot of that period I don’t remember but there are parts that I do - the fatigue, hair loss, lumbar punctures, day long games of monopoly and chicken mayo sandwiches to name a few.

I’m fortunate enough now to live without any restrictions or effects on my daily life but there are others out there not as fortunate as me.

It’s probably fair to say most of the people who read this know someone close to them who has unfortunately felt the effects of cancer. I have close friends who have lost parents and I have friends and family who right now are going through the toughest of times.

As many of you will already realise, I’m not quite ‘built’ for running and simply never have been so entering the 2024 Blickling Half Marathon is quite the challenge for me. But it’s nothing compared to the challenge others go through daily so if you could spare some money to donate to a wonderful cause, I’d be extremely grateful.