Nick's London Marathon

My story starts with my incredible mum, who is currently battling breast cancer. She's not only a fighter, but she's also the first breast cancer patient in her local cancer unit to be on an immunotherapy trial alongside chemotherapy. Witnessing her strength and courage has been nothing short of inspiring, and it has motivated me to take action. This year, my family had big plans to celebrate both my Mum and Dad's 60th birthday, their 40th wedding anniversary, and my brother's wedding. The news of her cancer diagnosis came as a shock but despite facing these challenges, my mum's positivity and determination have shown me the importance of cherishing every moment with our loved ones. My Nana passed away at the young age of 64 from breast cancer before I was born. I often wonder about the cherished memories we could have created together, especially since she had a love for jazz music, just like me. This loss has fueled my commitment to supporting Cancer Research UK and the critical work they do to prevent other families from experiencing the same pain. Since submitting my application to run the marathon, life has thrown our family yet another series of challenges. My Grandma has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer, and my Uncle Dave has also begun treatment for prostate cancer. The weight of these diagnoses has been heavy, especially considering we lost my Uncle Barry to pancreatic cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. I truly believe that research is the key to unlocking a cancer-free future. That's why I've decided to run the marathon and raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Together, we can support groundbreaking research that leads to innovative treatments, early detection methods, and ultimately, save lives.