In April 2023 I lost my Uncle Robert to prostate cancer. He was such a special part of my life: for years, he was the calming centre point of our big, unruly family. He was gentle and selfless, with a quiet wit that could stop you in your tracks when it piped up from the corner of the room. He had 6 sisters and 13 noisy nieces and nephews, so it was testament to him that when he spoke, everyone listened.

Uncle Robert was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019, and while our family were lucky enough to have four extra years with him thanks to the work, research, and care of various organisations, it was never going to be enough. We miss him enormously and every day.

So, why am I talking about this now? Well, I stupidly applied to run the London Marathon for Prostate Cancer UK, encouraged by my lovely cousin after a few glasses of wine. And given that I am famously unfit, I nearly fell off my chair when I heard I'd been accepted. I've never been on a run before. In fact, I deliberately chose my GCSEs to avoid doing P.E. When I've told people the news, the responses have been a mixture of laughter and some form of "oh shit". Or, my personal favourite, "Oh Kate, you twit" (thanks mum).

This will be the challenge of a lifetime, but I am so proud to be doing it to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer. Uncle Robert's passing has been so difficult for our entire family, and I want to do everything I can to prevent other families having to go through the same pain.

Any and all donations are so hugely appreciated - thank you x