We must admit we hadn't really come across Maggie's until we needed them most. When we found out that Carys' dad Ray had been diagnosed with cancer one of the things he kept saying was "I go to my men's drop in every Friday" and it was clear how important it was to him. Obviously the free bacon sandwiches were a significant part of it, but the ability to relax and spend time with other people who were all going through (broadly) the same things means so much. All of us in Ray's support team felt better for him going. It adds structure to the week, there's so much love and fellowship, they run brilliant classes and in some strange ways it even replaced the pub.

And it's not just for those with cancer. Sam and all the team at Maggie's Cardiff have reached out and actively made time for everyone affected by the diagnosis; wives, children, random haphazard sons-in-law. They are a superb team who do much in so many ways.

Unfortunately cancer hasn’t gone away despite coronavirus. Seeing my dad, who I adore beyond words and who has always been my biggest mentor suffer each and every day is truly heartbreaking. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. It’s not always easy to be strong whilst watching someone you love and admire slip away in front of you. So we’ve decided to channel our energies into trying to help a charity which has brought great relief to my dad and our family over the last year, during the most difficult time of our lives. This probably won’t be the last fundraising call, and I make no apologies for asking, because this charity is a real lifeline to people suffering with cancer, and their families. Now, more than ever, the charity are working hard to support people worrying about coronavirus and cancer.

I know it’s a difficult time for everyone at the moment and admire and thank all the front line workers who are risking their lives every day. From personal experience I’ve realised those with an underlying health condition and their families are even more anxious than ever. It’s good we can all still get some daily exercise and enjoy some of the beautiful weather we are having, but for my dad the reality is very different - he can’t enjoy the beautiful seaside at the end of his road in a country that he loves and we don’t know when that will change. However Maggie’s continue to hold the weekly men’s drop in session virtually and we are grateful for the support from those he has met on his journey.

The only way we can describe them is as a lifeline. So please do try and support them by sponsoring us in our marathon efforts.

Carys is running a marathon within the week: starting on Saturday 25 April and ending 26.2 miles later on Friday 1 May. 3.74 miles a day, every day, for a week. Or 5 lots of 4 miles, one 10k and a rest day. Think of the pain.

Being lazier Edd is walking his. Up and down the garden for 26.2 miles, with only breaks for the loo permitted, on Friday 1 May. The garden is 12 and a half metres long. Therefore it will be 3,374 lengths of the garden and, by our rough calculations, should take around 9 hours.

We are so grateful to Maggie's, and so in turn will be so grateful to you for any support. Thank you.