Running with terminal cancer Why 2021 was best gift I could wish for

While it’s Boxing Day today, I am still well and truly in the Christmas spirit because for family reasons we celebrate Christmas Day on both the 25th and 26th. Lucky us, eh?

That said, this is also the time when I look back on the year about to finish before I start to think about the year that is about to begin.

I try to be broad about what I did, so I consider the things I am proud of, the things I wanted to do but didn’t manage – and most importantly, the things I did wrong that I don’t ever want to repeat.

First, the things that I was pleased about. Strange as it may sound, I am just happy to still be alive and able to do the things that I can do physically and mentally. Seven years ago I never thought I would see 2021, so to have made it through relatively unscathed is the best gift I can receive.

I am delighted I managed to run around 3,000 miles this year and raised about £25,000 for Prostate Cancer UK in doing so. I presented to a few thousand people about prostate cancer and living for the day the best way you can.

I am so grateful to my friend and BBC reporter

Mark Church for helping get my book Dead Man Running out, enabling me to share my story with more people and have a lasting legacy for my family in terms of my story.

And, of course, receiving my British Empire Medal was such a memorable day.

Most of all though, I was so pleased my three kids all managed to thrive despite lockdown challenges – with promotions at work and exams passed. I was also delighted to be able to spend more time with my family than normal because of Covid – a blessing in disguise.

I didn’t manage to run races in some of the amazing places that I had hoped, and I wish I had made a bit more effort to see more friends around the UK – but hopefully I can put that right in 2022.

I hope that today you too reflect on your year and focus on the things that will create lasting positive memories rather than what may not have happened – and perhaps pick up the phone today to those you have lost touch with, because that will be a wonderful gift.

Until next week, Kev

PRECIOUS MEMORIES Kev running for Prostate Cancer UK and hiking with his family in the Lake District