I'm running the London 2012 Marathon in memory of my Dad and I'd be so very grateful for any donations however small (we are in a recession after all!) for my chosen charity Sparks.

As you will know, I'm not a runner.  I have no finesse and I run like a ballerina.  But I'm determined.  I ran the Chicago marathon last year and now it’s all about London. And London is particularly special to me because of my Dad.

My dad (Nip) ran the London Marathon in 1992 and despite having more physical challenges than most he completed it and all the way around smiled.  I remember as a little girl the proud feeling I had when he came home with his medal and the banner I had made ready to congratulate him. It took me all day to make it and I had absolute faith he'd finish it!

As children, Chantel and I used to run with dad up the oak tree (our favourite tree in the village).  Rain, snow you name it - we'd run there with dad when he was training for the Marathon. And somehow Dad always made it fun.

We lost dad in 2009 and I know he’d be so proud of his Dandy Lion running a marathon.  I only started to get into running just before we lost dad, but he did see me run the Bath Half Marathon and we all had a good cry at the end. If only he could see me now. Hopefully he can.

So the London Marathon for me will be like doing lots of runs to the oak tree and back.  Thanks for your support and kind donations.

Dani / Lizer / Dandy Lion x