In April 2026, I’ll be running the Flawed Hero Marathon, 26.2 miles through the night starting just after midnight.

This race is a little different to the marathons I’ve run before. It’s quieter, smaller, and far less about crowds or finish times. It’s about showing up as you are, moving forward with purpose, and supporting something that matters.

For me, that purpose is raising money for Prostate Cancer UK.

Cancer has shaped my life in ways I never expected.

In 2007, at the age of 14, I was diagnosed with Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer that affects the lymph nodes. Thankfully my treatment was successful and I was given the all clear the following year.

Like many people who go through cancer at a young age, you try to move forward and rebuild life as normally as possible.

Then in 2020, aged 27, after months of scans, tests and biopsies, I received the news that the cancer had returned.

Six rounds of chemotherapy followed.

This time it happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant shielding and long periods of isolation as someone classed as clinically vulnerable. Like many people who go through cancer treatment, the physical challenges were only one part of the experience. Mentally, it can be just as tough.

During that time, I started running.

At first it was simply a way to clear my head and escape the reality of treatment for a short while. Some days I felt strong enough to get out, others I didn’t. But over time running became something much bigger – a way to regain control, rebuild confidence, and remind myself what my body was capable of.

In early 2021 I received the news that my treatment had been successful.

Since then, running has remained an important part of my life and a way to challenge myself while raising awareness and funds for causes connected to cancer.

This time I’m running for Prostate Cancer UK.

Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK. Too many cases go undetected for longer than they should because people delay getting symptoms checked, often through fear or discomfort.

Charities like Prostate Cancer UK are doing vital work to improve early detection, fund research, and support the men and families affected by it.

The Flawed Hero Marathon feels like the perfect challenge to support that mission.

Starting at midnight and running through the night will be a completely different experience from anything I've done before. It will be quieter, more reflective, and no doubt a real test both physically and mentally.

But if those miles can help raise awareness and support the work being done to tackle prostate cancer, then every step will be worth it.

If you’re able to support the cause with a donation, no matter how big or small, it would mean a huge amount. And if you can’t donate, simply sharing the page helps raise awareness which is just as important.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for any support along the way.