So here I am again!! Nearly 12 months on from running the amazing London Marathon in 2024, I’m only 6 weeks away from doing it all again. I promised after I crossed the line last year, that it would be the last time for a full marathon (26.2 miles). But here I am under prepared and about to go again 🙈.

This time I actually managed to get in through the ballot for the first time after entering 15 years in a row without luck.

So what’s different about ballot entry this time..? Well it means I don’t have to raise a set amount of money for a charity that I have entered through twice before. So initially I thought that would take the pressure off trying to train and raise money at the same time…but the reality of such an amazing event is that it’s not right for me to just train and not do it for someone special!

So here’s where you all come in…I am going to be running this year for a very close charity to me, to Sooz and to my family. The amazing ‘Bowel Movement’. This charity has been so close to my heart since they supported Sooz and my family during Suzy’s brave battle. They are the most amazing family of beautiful people, who went through the same as me and my special family.

They are doing amazing things in raising awareness for Bowel Cancer and helping support families who are unfortunately going through such a tough battle, similar to the one my beautiful sooz and family went through. They continue to do amazing things and continue to keep there special Son, brother and loved one Benj Millard legacy going. It’s a special charity and would love for you all to look up https://www.thebowelmovement.uk or follow them on social media.

So my story for those that don’t know is a story of love, pride and great loss.

My beautiful wife Suzy was diagnosed with Bowel cancer in 2021, only a few months after we had finally tied the knot after nearly 10 years of the most amazing time together. We have 3 boys Fin (20), Theo (18) and Frankie (nearly 11 he tells me). Unfortunately when sooz fell unwell and we first had the diagnosis her primary bowel cancer was so aggressive it had already spread to other parts and was at stage 4. What followed was the bravest fight against this bastard disease. Sooz hit it head on and fought with everything she had. She self educated on everything bowel cancer and was a warrior throughout. In what was the most horrendous time of our lives came the most immense pride and love for my hero. It’s coming up 2 years since we lost Sooz and this pride and love lives on and just as strong as ever before. What Sooz always wanted to do throughout was raise awareness to all and continue in being an inspiration in sharing her story and fight. So this is where I come into it and continue to raise awareness and also funds for this amazing charity. As a family we have all come together over the last 2 years looking to raise as much as we can for some very special charities, all in Suzy’s name and all to continue Suzy’s legacy.

I will share my journey with you all to London 2025 and if you could spare anything myself and ‘The Bowel Movement’ would be so so appreciative. I am fully aware times are tough, but even if you can only spare a follow on social media or a read of the website above, that would be amazing.

Thank you for listening to me ramble on again and from me and my family, I continue to thank you all for the special support and love you have shown us all.

Suzy Jean, I am going through the hurt locker again in your name, I’m sure she will be watching me with a glass of Prosecco, whilst laughing at me hit the wall again this year.

Thank you all,

Dan

Each year over 2600 young individuals are diagnosed with bowel cancer. Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and accounts for the second highest number of cancer related deaths per year. We know that early detection and diagnosis is vital, and that bowel cancer is highly treatable and even curable if caught early.

The Bowel Movement seeks to educate people about the key signs and symptoms of bowel and colorectal cancers to ensure that every individual faced with bowel cancer has the best possible chance of survival.