We all have friends and family who have at some point known, know or they themselves have been affected by cancer, and each year I am inspired by the challenges that friends, family and other people I know set themselves to help raise money for a variety of different charities.

I have therefore signed up with work colleagues to complete the Shine Marathon walk in September as a colleague of ours unfortunately lost his wife to cancer before Christmas. But this is also for everyone that has lost someone important in their life and for everyone who has battled against and survived cancer and has gone on to inspire others to live life to the full.

I'm actually doing a number of running events in the build up to the Marathon walk, with my first event being the Cancer Research UK London Winter Run 10k on 4th February, a half marathon on March 4th, and a 15 mile leg of the Manchester Marathon on 8th April.

I will plan other races (with updates to follow) and go on long walks in the build up to the marathon walk and would really appreciate everyone's support over the next 8 months through your generous sponsorship.

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