Hi my name is Molly , this is the third time I’ll be running this half marathon for Bowel Cancer UK. The first time was with my dad by my side cheering me and encouraging me when I didn’t think I could do it . The second time he cheered me on from the sidelines , coaching me before hand and shouting words of encouragement on my way around. This time, I’m hoping he will be cheering me on again . Hope is what we hold on to.

A lot has changed since last October. The operation we were hoping for didn’t happen, and in November we learnt my dad’s cancer had spread further and the words ‘palliative’ care were first mentioned to us .

Treatments have taken their toll and have stopped working and we are now on the final treatment available to us .

My dad has changed. Cancer has not only robbed his body but has robbed him of the things he loves doing. He loved runnin ; and he was good at it too! He loved going on long cycle rides and bike packing adventures with his friends and he loved getting in his truck and pitching up his tent box . Now his adventures are much smaller and less frequent, but when he can, he will go out for a little walk with our dog Maggie or go for a gentle bike ride with my mum and his friends .

Cancer has robbed me of the dad I had . But I am in awe of the dad I now have . His strength, courage and fight is truly inspirational, and as a family, we continue to hope and fight and we never stop praying for a miracle.

Without your donations, for which I have been truly grateful , Bowel Cancer UK wouldn’t be able to do the research that’s required to find breakthrough treatments that will help fight this disease, so other families don’t have to go through what we have been going through for the past 9 years .

From me, my family and most of all my dad, THANK YOU. Your donation will change lives .