I'm running the Paris Marathon as a personal challenge but also to support a cause that of course means a lot to me. I feel very fortunate to work for the Stroke Association and believe passionately in the work being done to improve prevention and treatment of stroke, whilst providing support for stroke survivors and their families.

Many of my strongest memories from growing up are of spending time visiting our grandparents. In 1994 my dad's mum, Grandma Minnie Larkin, suffered a devastating stroke. I clearly remember visiting her in hospital shortly before she died and then staying with my Grandad at their bungalow in Barnsley. At the time, as a 14 yr old boy,  I didn't really understand and appreciate how much I loved and would miss my Grandma. 

I certainly think most of us knew next to nothing about stroke when it happened and I'm sure the treatment at that time was very basic. Much has improved in terms of awareness and treatment of stroke in the 20 years since Grandma Larkin died, but stroke remains drastically misunderstood and under funded relative to other conditions, and a lot more can and should be done.

I've never run a marathon before and I'm not really looking forward to it. If you can spare any change to keep me motivated during the winter training months, I'll be eternally grateful! X