LIVE FOR TODAY
Running with terminal cancer
I know from experience what it is like to be cheered on by name during the Marathon
Shortly after being diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer I worked out the best way to stay out of the spiral of despair.
Each day I wanted do something I enjoyed and gave me a sense of worth. Running for Prostate Cancer UK became my thing and, to this day, I never hit the pillow at night without planning an element of what the next day will bring.
Today is London Marathon day, a race I have run three times and have fond memories of. Sadly, I did not get a place this year but I will do the next best thing – go along and support others.
Prostate Cancer UK has a few cheering stations and I’ll be at one by the 13-mile mark at St George in the East church, The Highway, near Shadwell DLR and Overground station.
It’s a fab day and it will give me a chance to feel part of the race.
I know what it means to get cheered on by name as fatigue sets in during a marathon.
I have many friends running this year. Rory Coleman is selflessly pacing a five-hour marathon with a big flag so others can hit that time.
Nick Butter will be doing yet another race in his quest to run 196 marathons, one in every country in the world, to raise funds for prostate cancer.
We were on BBC5 live on Friday talking about what he is doing and why, a fun experience. There will be thousands of heartbreaking and heartwarming stories among the runners today.
They all deserve our support – either by being there to cheer them on, financially backing their cause or perhaps by becoming inspired to take on a challenge for another time. Maybe I’ll see you at Shadwell? Until next week.