“It changed my perception of time, values and all I wanted to do was make a difference. Obviously, I’m in no position to be able to cure cancer, but the best thing I could do was raise money. So over 7 years ago I starting training, and took on some pretty big challenges to Raise money for St Rocco’s & other cancer Charities,” he explains.

Before this, he had heard of St. Rocco's, but didn’t but didn’t have an appreciation for the work and support that we provide.

“It was a hard experience for the entire family but we couldn’t have asked for a better place for my Nan to be looked after. The facility, the friendly staff and the environment was great, which all helps during a difficult time.”

Fast forward to today, and although things have moved on and changed for Mike – his business has expanded and he is now Dad to young son Harrison, he once again felt motivated to do something big again for St Rocco’ and decided to take on the challenge of the Chester 80km Ultra Run on Saturday 10^th March.

With limited time for training and only 3 months to get up to speed, Mike got in touch with Anthony Shaw, Owner & Head coach of Raw Strength in Birchwood, Warrington. Anthony jumped at the opportunity to train Mike using strength & condition training, instead of long distance running which has enabled Mike to increase fitness quickly over a short period of time. It’s a challenge for both of them as Anthony has never trained someone with this technique to run an Ultra marathon so they are both keen to see the results.

Mike says, “The appreciation for the life and time that I gained those years ago is still with me and has only been amplified by having a family of my own. I’m still driven to give something back and to start raising funds again for St. Rocco’s, a great local cause.”

If you would like to support Mike and patient care at St. Rocco’s, you can sponsor him at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/yellowbus80 or follow him on Twitter: @mikejdouglass #yellowbus80