In memory of my dear Dad, Ken Reid ❤️ 23 June 1955 - 20 November 2024 ❤️

In 2016 Dad noticed pain in his foot and after a visit to the doctor and a referral to hospital his life got flipped upside down when it was discovered he has Leukaemia, a blood cancer. Quite quickly he bravely committed to be part of medical trials to test the efficacy of a new drug - and although the journey was not easy (in fact really tough and the side effects associated) it’s truly remarkable to witness what the medical excellence can actually do, and the quality time it gave us with Dad years beyond his diagnosis.

Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI are funding research and trials which are quite literally life changing. It’s work that deserves support because the statistics around blood cancer in Northern Ireland are alarming, but the track record of research shows that the brilliant medical scientists, clinicians, doctors and nurses are finding solutions. Unfortunately wee Northern Ireland doesn’t get the same level of funding as the rest of the UK, and with that is the very reason why I’m going to plod 26.2 miles through London to raise what I can!

My dad was a patron for the charity and for the years following his diagnosis he dedicated his time to raising awareness to help others, and his resilience through it all is something that makes me so very proud every single day. I started fundraising a month ago when we had absolutely no idea we would have to say goodbye to him. Better bloody get my feet moving… I hope I can make you proud Dad… in your words (via Van Morrison) “it’s too late to stop now”