I am a photographer based in the South East of the UK.
I was privileged a year or two ago to meet and photograph an amazing lady called Denise Friend, who had battled with cancer, and who hired me for a "feel-good photo shoot," which I think I ended up enjoying even more than she did! I found her inspirational; always so positive and full of life and thankfulness. As I got to know her better I found out she was very much involved with a charity called Annabel's Angels.
To quote the Annabel's Angels page directly:
"Annabel's Angels is a group of women (apart from Annabel's husband, Simon) all affected by Breast Cancer. We connected with each other during 2012 via the online self help forums run by Macmillan. We all used the forums but none more so than Annabel. She spoke to us, reached out to us, helped us, we all did and we continue to do so."
My job as a photographer is looking for beauty in places you might not expect to find it.
Cancer is a horrible ugly, nasty and scary thing for anyone to encounter, and yet here was something deeply moving and beautiful going on. I couldn't help but feel a connection.
So when my wife decided to secretly sign me up for the 2014 Brighton Marathon (what a surprise to find that email in my inbox! :)) I could think of no better cause to raise funds for.
I hope to finish the marathon (even if I have to crawl!) but bearing in mind I'm 40, and having been through some grueling training, am pretty much convinced this will be my one and only marathon, and I would like it to count for something big! :)
So I would be thrilled if you could support my run with a donation - and stand alongside these amazing, heroic ladies. Cancer affects so many of us, it causes pain, heartache and fear to those with it, and those who love people with it. This is an opportunity to identify with and make a stand with those who've been through tough times.
Thank you so much for reading this and for pledging support.
Luke
