I'm running the 2015 Virgin London Marathon on behalf of the Christie Hospital in Manchester!  The Christie Hospital is one of Europe's leading cancer treatment and research centres. 

There are lots of reasons why I'm running on behalf of the Christie, but my main motivation is that it is where my dad has received treatment for his cancer.  In 1996 my dad was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and since then the majority of his treatment has been overseen and administered by the Christie. 

The fact that, eighteen years later, my dad is living a happy and healthy life is a real testament to the work of the Christie.  The care, compassion, professionalism and expertise of those that work at the hospital are things that both my family and I will be eternally grateful for. 

The Christie is a world-leader in cutting-edge research into new and developmental cancer therapies - offering hope to those with the disease.  The work of the Christie is truly inspiring...now it's time to give something back!

The 2015 Virgin London Marathon is my first marathon and, although I'm a regular runner (and reasonably fit), it represents a massive challenge both physically and mentally.  Nonetheless, I'm driven by a determination to give something back to the Christie, for the work that they do for people like my dad.