“This year I am raising money for OPA, a charity supporting the lives of those affected by Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer.

In October 2023 Matt, my brother in law was diagnosed with cancer and began treatment immediately. Oesophageal cancer is one of the most aggressive forms and unfortunately Matt lost his battle with Cancer on the 1st August at 10:48pm surrounded by his wife (my sister) Louise, their daughter ( my niece) and my mum.

This type of cancer unfortunately is super at aggressive and a lot of the time only picked up in the later stages. Matts diagnosis was in October, at that time we were told it had already spread around his body into his lymph nodes and he was stage 4 with a 2 year life expectancy.

Matt got 9 months and passed away at 48yrs old.

When going through this kind of journey what becomes apparent is the devastating effects it has, it’s like a tornado, not just the physical aspects but the mental aspect too. On one side your giving it everything you have to beat the unbeatable diagnosis, trying to stay positive and fight, and on the other you’re being told to get everything in order and spend quality time with your family while you have it.

The truth is, we all know someone who has been affected directly or indirectly by some form of Cancer. This year I am aiming to complete 5+ half marathons and looking to finish the year with a 50k+ challenge.” – Jonny Blake

So far, Jonny is taking part in the Nashville Half Marathon, the Royal Parks Half Marathon and is on the waiting list of a few others! 

If you would like to support Jonny’s fundraising, click here.