#CrayolaRunner: adding colour (and a smile) to your day!

Follow my journey: https://www.instagram.com/crayolarunner (#CrayolaRunner) I've done it! My goal was to create some smiles and cheer a few people's days while raising money to improve the early diagnosis of cancer. I have now completed 50Km dressed as a box of crayons, plus a half marathon in memory of Andy, Kirk and Keith. Thank you everyone for your support! --------------------------------- The pandemic has shone a light on the risks associated with not having effective early diagnosis for cancer and catching it early can make such a difference. We need additional funding to help improve early diagnosis systems as well as encouragement to patients to go to the doctor ASAP if they feel something is not right. You are not bothering anyone. I have run at the following events: July 17th 2022 - Reading 10km Race For Life Hungerford High Street Run (27/7/22 - 5k) 30th July - 5km Marlborough Parkrun 6th August - 5km Newbury Parkrun 27th August - 5km Andover Parkrun 3rd September - 5km Lydiard Parkrun 18th September - 5km Hungerford Common 20th September - 10km Thames Path, Reading 25th September - Jurassic Half Marathon --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2021 was a challenging year. January started with both my Father in Law, Kirk and my Uncle Andy being diagnosed with cancer. Kirk passed away after a very short illness in March 2021. Andy died at the end of September 2021. They were both 59 years old. Saying goodbye to two much loved family members, both taken too young, with little warning and amidst a pandemic is hard. Kirk had been a big part of my life for over 15 years and wasn't there for a Grandad cuddle on my daughter's first birthday. Andy, was the Uncle that always made you laugh, with whom I shared my passion for nature and the outdoors. We also lost my Grandad, Keith, just before the pandemic. Not sure what he would have made of the whole saga, but he sure would have hated being stuck inside after a life outdoors in all weathers on the farm. Many of you will also, like me, have several other friends or relatives who are undergoing treatment as we speak, as 1 in 2 of us will join the not-so-exclusive cancer club at some point. Thanks for taking the time to read my story. I hope my running made you smile.