When I found out I got a place in the 2018 London Marathon I was elated; my first thought was who should I run for. I knew I wanted to make the run personal and instantly thought about my fiancee's cousin, Ellie, who, in August 2016 at the age of 22, suffered a stroke. Ellie has shown remarkable courage and determination to work through this, always appearing to remain motivated, strong and positive . She inspires me to train hard and reminds me how fortunate I am to be able to run the marathon. This is Ellie's story:

Ellie is aged 23, and suffered a stroke in August 2016. Ellie went into hospital for surgery to hopefully stop her seizures, but unfortunately the surgeon clamped blood vessels into her brain, cutting off vital blood supply. When Ellie awoke from the surgery she was paralysed down her left side. Ellie spent 3 months in rehab and worked every day to ensure she didn't come home in a wheelchair. She currently has physio twice a week and acupuncture once a week, and is working so hard to get back to her old self and to enjoy life again. She is still unable to use her left arm and hand, but refuses to believe this will never work again!

My target of £1600 would enable Ellie to have 8 more weeks of intensive physio which she needs and enjoys, and really wants to be able to continue.

Thank you to everybody who can help Ellie.