Melanoma is a devastating and life changing disease. It is an aggressive form of skin cancer that can happen to anybody, of any age or background.

Despite never being on a sunbed, or even sunbathing, I was diagnosed last year with stage 4 melanoma at the age 27. It is likely my disease actually began as young as age 21, but was initially misidentified. 

Until a few years ago, my condition would have represented a terminal illness, however, I am benefitting from new treatments made possible due to research into this disease. Simply, without such advances I would probably be dead already, and certainly in no shape to run a 10k. Such advances would not be possible without the fundraising efforts of organisations like Melanoma UK.

I won't be setting any records or anything like a PB in this race, but I aim to finish in a respectable time, and given the last 12 months which has included surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy (which is ongoing), I feel very privileged to even be contemplating running it. Many people are not so lucky, which is why we must endeavour to continue raising funds and awareness of this disease, and other cancers.

I think given all of the people I know, a £1000 target is very achievable, and anything you can donate will help towards it! Please remember to gift aid your donations.

***EDIT*** £1000 smashed within 12 hours! So I've increased the target to an ambitious £5000. But I think we can do it!! Thank you all for your generosity!

I hope you can help, and I thank you sincerely for visiting this page.

Love Andy X 

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