On 2nd October 2022 I will be running the London marathon for the Butterfly Garden & LINC, on 2nd October 2020 I was awaiting my 2nd course of chemotherapy following a diagnosis of stage 4 lymphoma.

It's 7th September 2020 and I'm off to a physio appointment, my GP has advised me to stop running as x-ray results show damage to both hips and lower back, I have not run for 2 months due to the pain.

After a quick look and hands on assessment of my lower vertebrae I am referred to A&E with suspected cauda equina (pressure on nerves at lower end of spinal cord).

After trips to Cheltenham and Gloucester hospitals and an emergency MRI due to problematic bladder and bowel function my day ended with the news that I had 2 cancerous lesions on my spine.

Subsequent CT scans and a biopsy led to my diagnosis the following week and I was immediately admitted for 5 days of radiotherapy, during this time the hospital investigated my medical history, including childhood Leukaemia, in order to plan my treatment. The day after completing my radiotherapy I underwent my first of 5 courses of intensive chemotherapy.

During my hospital stays I was lucky enough to have access to the facilities and support services provided by LINC at Cheltenham & Gloucester hospitals, I was also very well supported by the Butterfly Garden community who sent me regular communications about the day to day life that I missed so much during my treatment.

I am happy to say that I received the news of my remission in March 2021 and was able to return to work and running after nearly 8 months.

After 12 years of applying I finally made it into the London marathon via the ballot and have chosen to use this opportunity to raise funds for 2 charities very close to my heart.

I understand that we are living in difficult times and appreciate any donation of any size.

Thanks
Danny