The first time I understood what the word 'cancer' meant, I was 6 years old. My Grandma - my guardian, the one who raised me, was diagnosed with cancer of the liver. She died less than a year later. She was 68.

When I was 26, this life-changing word entered my vocabulary once again; my best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. She died less than 3 years later. She was 31.

And once again for the third time, only this time I was 28. My Uncle, who raised me alongside my Grandma, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He died less than 3 months later. He was 50.

Cancer is a word I wish I didn't have to know the meaning of. I'm 31 now and whilst the scientists at Cancer Research UK have gotten closer to beating cancer (in the last 40 years they have helped double the survival rates!) it has only been possible with the continued support they receive through donations.

With this in mind, I have entered Cancer Research UK's Shine Night Walk 2018 in memory of the friends and family I have lost to cancer. Specifically, I am walking 26.2 miles through the night to raise money to help fund vital research used in the diagnosis, treatment and understanding of pancreatic cancer.

Survival rates for this cancer are low due to symptoms often being misdiagnosed. In the case of my Uncle Mike, he was initially diagnosed with diabetes. 6 months later he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, a diagnosis that came too little, too late.

Donating through my fundraising page is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with Cancer Research UK. Every single pound you donate makes a difference to Cancer Research UK’s groundbreaking work, so please sponsor me now.