As you may know, a close friend, former colleague and walking companion (or thinly-disguised pub crawl buddy) of mine has recently been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. As a result, he is unable to join me on our planned walk along the Mendip Way this autumn.

This is a walk of nearly 50 miles and over 6,000ft ascent, with a disappointingly small number of beer stops en route. I thought it might take the edge off putting up with my own company for three days to know that some money was being raised for a good cause along the way!

Multiple myeloma affects around 5,000 people in the UK every year. For most people, myeloma responds well to initial treatment but unfortunately it almost always comes back.

The Matthew Wilson Multiple Myeloma Fund at Blood Cancer UK has an ambition to find a cure for multiple myeloma through investing in science and scientists. The fund will improve treatments, survival rates and quality of life for people living with multiple myeloma, and drive forward the day when we find a cure.

Since 1960 Blood Cancer UK has invested over £500 million into blood cancer research. Right now, the community is funding 360 researchers and staff across the UK who are searching for the next breakthrough. The day we will beat blood cancer is now in sight and the researchers are determined to finish the job.

I do hope you will feel able to make a donation small or large for this excellent cause, or if you prefer, simply for the cause of getting my personality out of circulation for a few days!

[Image ©Roger Cornfoot used under licence]