Neil's Giving Page

My Story

Our 60 Mile April Walk for Cancer Research In April, my wife and I – along with our two dachshunds, Twix and Remy – are taking on a challenge to walk 60 miles to raise money for Cancer Research UK and Stand Up To Cancer. Like most families, cancer is something that has touched our lives. Between us we have had several relatives affected by cancer, and we know just how devastating the diagnosis can be – not just for the person facing it, but for the whole family around them. Cancer has a way of suddenly changing everything. It can turn ordinary days into hospital visits, bring uncertainty where there was once stability, and force families to face challenges they never expected. Many of the people reading this will have their own stories like this – a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, friend or colleague who has been affected. The reality is that almost everyone knows someone whose life has been impacted by cancer. That’s why the work of organisations like Cancer Research UK is so important. Every breakthrough, every new treatment, every improved survival rate comes from years of research funded by donations from ordinary people who simply want to make a difference. This challenge is our small way of contributing to that fight. Why 60 Miles? Walking is something simple. Most of us do it every day without thinking. But setting a goal like 60 miles in a single month is about turning that everyday activity into something purposeful. It’s about committing to get outside, put one foot in front of the other, and dedicate that effort to something bigger than ourselves. And of course, we won’t be doing it alone. Our two dachshunds, Twix and Remy, will be joining us on many of these walks. If you know dachshunds, you’ll know they may have small legs but they have huge personalities and endless enthusiasm for adventures. They will no doubt keep us motivated – and probably demand plenty of stops along the way. A Personal Challenge Too This challenge is also something deeply personal for me. Over the last year I have been working hard on improving my own health. It’s been a journey of pushing myself, making changes, and trying to become a healthier and more active person. Taking on this 60 mile challenge is part of that process. It’s about proving to myself that I can keep pushing forward, keep building better habits, and keep improving. In a way, this walk represents two battles happening at once: One against cancer through fundraising and research support. And one against the limitations we sometimes place on ourselves. Why Your Support Matters Cancer Research UK has been responsible for some of the most important breakthroughs in cancer treatment over the last few decades. Because of research like this: Survival rates in the UK have doubled in the last 40 years New treatments are being developed that save thousands of lives Earlier detection is improving outcomes for patients every year But there is still so much work to do. Cancer remains one of the biggest health challenges we face, and research funding is essential to continue making progress. Every pound donated helps support scientists, doctors and researchers working tirelessly to develop better treatments and ultimately find cures. How You Can Help If you’re able to donate, any contribution – big or small – makes a real difference. Even a small donation helps fund the research that can lead to life-saving breakthroughs. If donating isn’t possible right now, sharing this page with friends or family is another great way to support the cause. The more people who see it, the more awareness we can raise. The Goal Over April we will be aiming to complete 60 miles of walking. Some will be countryside walks. Some will be evening dog walks. Some may be done in the rain (because this is Britain after all). But every mile will be dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research. Thank You Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Your support – whether through donations, encouragement, or simply sharing the page – genuinely means a lot to us. Together we can help support the research that saves lives. And with Twix and Remy leading the way, we’re looking forward to every step of the journey.