My Story

I am running the London Marathon 2024 and have chosen to run for Young Lives vs. Cancer, a charity close to my heart.

I will be running in memory of Ben Crutchley who was just 9 years old when he got diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour and tragically after a course of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and numerous cocktails of drugs to help control his seizures, Ben lost his battle with cancer 10 short months after his diagnosis.

I'm determined to complete the 26.2 miles of the London Marathon in Ben's memory, supporting Nige and Su with their fundraising, but more importantly to raise money to help all those Yonug Lives afftected by Cancer.

I'm a father myself to two amazing little girls, Sophie, aged 7, and Lillie aged 6. Nothing would make me prouder, knowing I am running for an amazing charity that really does make a difference to peoples lives and  to see my own two little girls cheer me on.

When a child is diagnosed with cancer it threatens everything, for them and their family. At a time when they should be busy being children, enjoying their rollercoaster teenage years or finding their feet at uni, life becomes full of fear. Fear of treatment, but also of families being torn apart, of overwhelming money worries, mental health stretched to breaking point, of having nowhere to turn, no one to talk to. 

Young Lives vs Cancer are the charity that helps children and young people (0-25) and their families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them.

We know everyone’s different, so we work hard to make sure each family has what they need to get through cancer. It could be a financial grant for a parent struggling to keep their child warm through their treatment or for a young person who can’t afford to get to hospital. Or helping a family stay together at one of our free Homes from Home close to the hospital where their child is having treatment.

And if we think families aren’t being heard by the whole system, we’re not afraid to raise their voices or shout on their behalf. Children and young people with cancer deserve the same opportunities as anyone else. We’ll always have their back, because we’ve been there before.

Powered by the kindness of our supporters, we’ll face it all together.