Two Years On – Still Grateful, Still Trying to Give Back
Two years ago, I wrote a blog with one clear purpose: to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. At the time, it was driven by fear, gratitude, relief, and a need to give something back to a charity that had supported me through one of the most difficult chapters of my life.
Fast forward two years, and life has continued to move at its own pace — sometimes smoothly, sometimes throwing in the odd obstacle.
Last year, I had it in my head that I’d take on another Tough Mudder. Partly to challenge myself again, and partly because it felt right to mark how far I’d come. Unfortunately, plans changed rather abruptly when I discovered I had a rather large hernia that needed surgery… a week before the event. Safe to say, that challenge had to be shelved.
But in the grand scheme of things, that “hiccup” was just that — a hiccup.
It has now been two years since I was given the all clear, and I’m incredibly thankful to say that with regular checks, I continue to receive good news. Those words never lose their impact. Each appointment is still met with a mix of nerves and hope, and each clear result is something I never take for granted.
In the time since my original fundraiser, I’ve sadly seen close friends lose loved ones to cancer. People I care deeply about have had their lives changed forever, and it’s a painful reminder of how fragile and unfair life can be. It also reinforces something I think about often: whether I’m on borrowed time or not, I am lucky.
Lucky for the early detection.
Lucky for the treatment.
Lucky for the support.
And so much of that luck is thanks to Macmillan Cancer Support, and of course the incredible doctors, nurses, and auxiliary staff at Castle Hospital. Their compassion, professionalism, and humanity make an unbearable situation just that little bit easier to face. They don’t just treat illness — they support people.
This is why I felt compelled to take on another challenge — not just another event, but a bigger one. Something that would truly test me both physically and mentally, and hopefully allow me to raise even more than I did in 2024. A challenge that reflects the journey, the resilience, and the gratitude I feel.
So, I’ve signed up to take part in the 100km in 24-hour Peak District Ultra, raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support (for more info please click here). It’s daunting, uncomfortable, and well outside my comfort zone — but that feels fitting. Because cancer doesn’t respect comfort zones either.
Even though time has passed, my gratitude hasn’t faded. If anything, it’s grown stronger.
This isn’t about proving anything or chasing a personal milestone. It’s about saying thank you. It’s about recognising how vital charities like Macmillan are — not just for patients, but for families, friends, and everyone affected by cancer.
How You Can Help
If you’ve read this far, thank you. If you’re able to help further, I’d be incredibly grateful for your support.
Every donation — no matter how small — helps Macmillan continue their vital work: providing emotional support, practical advice, financial guidance, and simply being there when people need it most. These services change lives, and in many cases, help people cope with the hardest moments they will ever face.
If you can, please consider donating via my JustGiving page:
👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/russkemp-100km
If you’re not able to donate, sharing the page or this post is just as valuable. Awareness matters. Support matters. People matter.
Two years on, I’m still here.
Still grateful.
And with your help, still giving back.
For more information about my cancer journey please follow this link: My Cancer Journey Part 1
