DONATE TO HELP CANCER RESEARCH

Hi everyone,

Fenella and I are running the Leeds half marathon on the 14th of May on behalf of three people who were and still are very close to my heart.

My uncle Luca was unbelievably caring and selfless. He stood and still stands as an inspiration for all of his fans and our family. He was an amazing storyteller and teacher. Something I'll never forget is how humble and modest he was, especially with the successful football career he had, and how he reminded us to do so as well throughout our lives. Not only was he an extremely generous, kind and important uncle but he was a wonderful father to my cousins Olivia and Sofia, and husband to my auntie Cathy. Amazing things have been said about him, through friends, family and the general public and so true they are. I'm so lucky to have had him in my life.

My auntie Bec, I would describe being beautiful and witty, as well as a wonderful cook. I always loved to hear her tales about misbehaving with my dad when they were younger and how she used to joke around with him still even at 55. She was a lovely wife to my uncle Daan and a great mother to my cousins Isobel and Millie. I miss her.

Lastly, my friend George would never stop laughing and smiling. A major lover of Percy pigs and Doritos, and how we would sit, catch up on the race course on hot days and stuff our faces. He was such a laugh to be around, constantly cracking jokes and would never stop putting on a bit of Slowthai - the number of times the song Doorman was drilled into our heads, my god. He was so so strong, especially facing the battle he did at the age he was and was constantly so happy that you wouldn't even suspect the struggle he was facing behind closed doors. George was spoken of so highly among so many people and was extremely loved by his friends and his family. I will never forget him.

All three of these people are very special to me and sadly within the last three years, all lost their long battles with cancer. Fenella and I are 

 aiming to raise £1,500 (hoping for more) for Cancer Research, on behalf of these wonderful people. Any donation would be truly appreciated. Cancer Research UK is the "world’s leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research, influence and information". More than 4,000 scientists, physicians, and nurses are working on cancer research, which examines every facet of the disease. Millions of lives have been saved thanks to this ground-breaking research into the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

Where will your donations go?

Your donations will support the work of more than 4,000 scientists, doctors, and nurses across the UK by funding hundreds of research projects.

Your contributions also help support the operations of the specialised institutes, where some of the most significant laboratory work is conducted. The institutes aid in attracting and keeping top-tier researchers by offering them long-term assistance, access to cutting-edge tools, and other resources. Moreover, you are assisting with the staff's support, every one of whom makes a difference in the advancement of earlier cancer treatment.

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to read this, I cannot be more grateful. Feel free to come to support us during the half marathon!

Not just for us but do it for Luca, Bec and George.

Follow @leedshalfmarathon_fg for our journey!