This March I'll be running the Cambridge Half Marathon to raise money for the Arthur Rank Hospice. For anyone to face a terminal cancer diagnosis in their forties is a horrifying experience, but being asked to choose where you would like to spend your last days mere months after diagnosis is unimaginable. To totally give yourself over to strangers is humbling, daunting, but the Arthur Rank Hospice is not made of strangers. It is a home where its inhabitants know their guests will never leave, but give every inch of themselves to those who come through its doors. When my dad would come home for a brief weekend, he would wax lyrical on the extra puddings he'd get at dinner, the late-night sneaky cig trips to the courtyard, and how he felt at peace ending his life in those walls. For him, it was the ultimate bravery, selflessness, to choose to hospice at the Rank, but for us, who wanted nothing but to keep him with us but knew we couldn't provide the care, it was the brightest light in our darkest days.

As with many of our best institutions, the Arthur Rank Hospice has had much of its funding withdrawn, threatening its existence and the chance for other families to have the support that we are so grateful for. It's more important than ever to support their good cause, so more families can rest easier knowing their loved one is sleeping with an extra pudding in their belly.

And a word from our sponsor:

Want to join me in making a difference? I’m raising money to benefit Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Arthur Rank Hospice Charity: Arthur Rank Hospice Charity supports people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end-of-life care. Its 'Outstanding' services are provided free of charge to patients and their families, helping to make every moment count.

For further information, please visit arhc.org.uk