10km in support of Danny’s battle

*Update 

On the 27th April my Dad unfortunately lost his battle with cancer which has left us all heartbroken. I have decided to still continue with the run in May as my Dad would of wanted me to.

Any funds raised will no longer be going towards Dads healthcare but to help assist with funeral costs as well as a donation to Macmillan for the continued support & work they do. 

Hi, my name is Omari and this fundraiser is in aid of my Dad, Danny, and his charity of choice, Macmillan Cancer Support. 

 As some of you may already know, my Dad was sadly diagnosed with Stage 4 brain, lung and bone cancer last year. He was admitted to hospital in September with what his GP initially thought was a bad case of vertigo after a series of intense dizzy spells. Unfortunately, it turned out that these were being caused by a tumour in his brain. The brain tumour required neurosurgery to remove, followed by a course of radiotherapy to try and ensure the removal of all cancerous cells. Although the operation was successful and the radiotherapy appeared to have worked as hoped, it was only the start of Dad’s fight against this cruel disease. 

Following the radiotherapy, we were told he also had lung and bone cancer. He then began an intensive 3-month course of chemotherapy in October - a ‘cure’ almost as destructive as the disease itself. All of this has taken place against the backdrop of the Covid pandemic, meaning that my Dad has had to shield throughout this ordeal as he is now immunocompromised.

 This has been particularly hard for my Dad to deal with, as for decades he has been an active and respected member of his local community in Ladbroke Grove, involved with organising countless local initiatives and events for the community. When Dad finished his course of chemotherapy at the start of February, we’d all hoped that he’d be healthy enough to be able to enjoy whatever time he has left, but unfortunately that has not been the case. 

Instead, he has been in and out of hospital on an almost weekly basis ever since. When not in hospital, he needs almost round the clock help at home as his mobility, sight and balance have all been badly impaired by his illness. I’m trying to raise funds to help with Dad’s day to day care and to make adjustments to his flat so that he can continue to have some independence. 

To do this, I will be doing a 10km run in May and hoping to recruit a few friends to join me. Any money we raise above our target of £7000 will be given to Macmillan Cancer Support, who have provided my dad and the rest of us with invaluable advice and support over the last 6 months, as they do for countless families up and down the country. 

So, if you’re able to donate it would be hugely appreciated, no matter how much you’re able to spare! Thank you for taking the time to read this. I look forward to updating you on Dad’s progress in his fight and on my progress with training for the run.

Thank you

Omari