While training for this marathon, my father has unfortunately been diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer. It’s really pretty rubbish - while it’s ultimately incurable, he’s facing it head on, has already smashed his major brain surgery out of the park, and preparing himself for chemo and radiotherapy.

I was already running Paris on behalf of Movember, as the leading charity changing the face of men's health. Although men (allegedly) have brains, Movember don’t focus specifically on brain cancer - but I do want to help raise awareness of getting men to open up about their health and in particular about symptoms. A simple conversation with your male friends about how they’re feeling mentally and physically, and not just brushing off symptoms with an ‘it’ll be alright’ could genuinely save lives.

So I’ve got no reason to stop training or running - one of Dad’s first comments out of surgery was how excited he was of me for to complete the 26.2 miles around Paris in April, as I continue to support Movember. Please give as generously as you feel able, if not for the reasons above, if only for me struggling round with a sorry patch of fluff on my upper lip.

Thank you,

Tom x

Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 mens health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, and shaking up mens health research, support services and treatment. Prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention - we’re taking them all on.