When I returned from Afghanistan I re-adjusted to normal life quickly.  For some of my colleagues, and for many other soldiers, life will never be the same again.  I’m running the London marathon to raise much needed money for BLESMA, a charity that helps Servicemen who’ve lost limbs or eyes as a result of serving their country.  With their permission I've included pictures of Sergeant Major Andrew Carlton QRL (Mandy) and Corporal Andy Garthwaite QRL (Geordie) who were with me in Helmand; Mandy lost his leg when an IED detonated underneath him, Geordie lost his arm when he was hit in the shoulder by a rocket propelled grenade.  Both were brilliant soldiers, both have left the Army because of their injuries, both have and will continue to benefit from BLESMAs help.

For my part, I will train.  I train in the rain, in the wind and in the dark.  I’ve never run a marathon before, or anything like it.  I know already that training is tough - bleeding nipples, freezing head, stinging eyes and bruised toes.  But soldiers are quite incredible people, and I want to help those who came home early from their tour.