I’ve joined my friend and fellow Chard Rod Runner fund raising team to help raise money for an excellent and very close to home cause. We’re running the Manchester marathon in April this year. Here is what Neil has to say:

‘Last year I ran the London Marathon in aid of 'The Christie' and 'Prostate Cancer UK' I was honoured by my good friend Phil joining me in running and raising money and humbled by the support we received raising a total of £3440.

This year we're taking on a different challenge and running the Manchester Marathon and hoping to gain even more team members and maybe even raise more money than last year.

We're focussing on 'The Christie' charity this year as its the Hospital which has been keeping my sister alive for the last 14mths and provides amazing world leading cancer care for many others, its also based in Manchester.

For me I'm raising money on a personal note, the good news is my sister is still alive and fighting AML Leukaemia, having undergone numerous treatments over the last year. Luckily we've had some great times together in between and at times during treatment. She is fighting everyday and we know she can beat this illness. While I write she is an inpatient at The Christy undergoing IV chemotherapy which will be followed by a biopsy and then most probably a bone marrow transplant which, fingers crossed, will leave her Leukaemia free.

Throughout this The Christy has provided top notch treatment and allowed her to live her life to the fullest which is amazing considering the aggressive nature of the cancer.

Please support us and The Christy to help them provide the best care and best quality of life for those suffering from the effects of cancer.’