My wonderful dad, George, passed away in June, having been diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer only 3 weeks earlier. There are no words that can do him justice and capture his infectious energy and humour, his authenticity and the love that my mum, sister and I had for him. So, instead, I'm doing something rather out of my comfort zone to raise awareness for this life shattering disease which is often masked by seemingly harmless symptoms - changes in appetite, lethargy, weight loss.

In the last 3 weeks of my dad's life, he didn't once complain or feel sorry for himself. He dealt with things practically, showing us how to do some of the things that we always asked him for, like blowing up the tyres on the car (everyone who knows him, knows that he was a jack of all trades and would never pass up helping someone in need). He still cracked jokes, and tried to eat the food I'd made him, even though it was the last thing he wanted. He made a sale on Gumtree the week he died - and was pulling out all his best salesman tricks - fair to say, a purchase was made. He spoke to us honestly, and sat outside watching the birds with us. Knowing now what he must've been going through, I am in disbelief that he managed to hold it all together. But, that was my dad. A rock for us all, there for us because we needed him.

Now, anyone who knows me, knows I'm not a runner, but I am my father's daughter which means I am stubborn and I will be a runner for this cause. My dad was one who took any challenge face on, he didn't shy away from difficult things (he did have two daughters and a wife, after all) and he was still throwing us over his shoulders at the age of 55. We think of him without fail each and every day, and we miss him so much. His wisdom was unmatched, he had the best listening ear and was always honest, even when it wasn't what you wanted to hear. He'd probably have a small eye roll and laugh at the thought of me doing a half marathon, but I know he'd cheer me on and give me some running tips!