Last year my friend Emma died of cancer. While I knew people still died from cancer, it often feels like we are making progress and beating this terrible disease. It felt like Emma was beating it. It was a huge shock that it did in fact beat her.

While cancer took her away from her family and friends her positive mental attitude and loving, happy way with the world, and the people around her, was and still is an inspiration to me, I am certain it was to so many people.

In 2010 we ran the Manchester 10k together (well she ran it a lot faster) and then she ran it even faster in 2011, before being diagnosed later that year.

I am running this year to raise money for Christies Hospital, one of the places that helped Emma fight cancer for longer, in honour of one of the best women I have ever met.

It would be great if you could help me raise my target amount.