A combination of a few things have inspired me to run a marathon. I’ve always got a buzz out of long distance running from cross country at school and onwards. After watching my sister complete the London Marathon a few years back and seeing the event in person I got a huge desire to achieve it myself one day.

Since my mum passed away a few years ago I have been hoping to get a place in the London Marathon to raise money but never succeeded. So last year myself and my friend Niall took it upon ourselves to complete the virtual London Marathon around Banbury raising over £2000 for Katherine House. I re applied again this year and although I have only just been accepted to run for Katherine House with 40 days to go I am so thankful that I can raise money again for such an amazing cause and achieve a life long goal.

 Four years ago my Mum (Dayle Kinch) sadly lost her battle with cancer. Throughout her illness and her battle with the disease in the latter stages, Katherine House provided my Mum and our family with unconditional support and care. In our darkest moments as a family Katherine House seemed to shine a light and for that we are so grateful. In response to that I have always wanted to give back as much as I can to this amazing hospice. Katherine House is a big part of so many peoples lives and everybody that I know who has been through the worst stages of their lives suffering a loss have always found a positive in the love and care that Katherine House provide. My friend Mark Boyland married in Katherine House last year and sadly lost his wife Deb and we speak frequently of the praise we have for the hospice.

Myself and my friend Niall completed the virtual London marathon last year raising over £2000 for Katherine House. It was a difficult experience completing it around Banbury as the terrain is a lot different and compared to the London Marathon the support is minimal but we pushed through it and the friends and family that did come out to cheer us on made all the difference. It’s also given me a goal/time to beat this year!

Being a little late to the party it means I only have 40 days to train for the event. However I am an avid gym goer and footballer so my diet and fitness won’t need to be tweaked too much. I will be planning on increasing the miles of each run twice a week for the next month. That should give me a nice progression up until the big day.

I only notified my family and friends yesterday and even with the short notice the majority are all coming to the big smoke to cheer me on and are very excited for me which is more than I can ask for. I think because I will have the thought of my Mum and Katherine House pushing me on throughout the event, seeing those extra faces will make it so encouraging and emotional along the way.

For me Katherine House is the unsung hero of our community. The majority of people around Banbury will have some connection with Katherine House at some point throughout their lives and once you have been touched by them you will appreciate the Hospice so much more. Katherine House cared so much for my family at the hardest of times and for that I will forever be thankful and full of appreciation.