On 22nd April 2018 I will be participating in the London Marathon.

At the age of 14 my best mate Luke broke his neck in a diving accident. He suffered a spinal cord injury at the 5th and 6th cervical vertebrae (mid way down his neck), which left him paralysed below the shoulders. After the accident Luke spent 9 months at Stoke Mandeville's National Spinal Injuries Centre and it was there that he was first introduced to Back Up. Back Up support people with spinal cord injuries and their families through courses, mentoring and regular contact. With their support Luke was able to begin to enjoy outdoor activities, set new challenges for himself and tap into a supportive network of others who were living full lives after SCI.

Over the years Luke has been lucky enough to go on several inspirational courses with Back Up. In 2000 he went on a Multi Activity course in the Lakes and was re-introduced to kayaking, sailing, cycling and abseiling - all things he enjoyed and had thought were lost to him. Then in 2004 Luke went skiing again for the first time since the accident. More recently he was a participant on a Back to Work course - learning and practicing the skills needed to get back into work.

Most of Back Up's services are supported and often lead by volunteers. Inspired by the amazing work Back Up have done for Luke, he and his Dad (Pete) have both become volunteer Mentors. Having received such vital and much needed support post injury both Pete and Luke wanted to give back to support the organisation that were there for them at such a difficult time. Last year Luke started working for Back Up as a member of the Outreach and Support team - coordinating wheelchair skills sessions at spinal units across the UK and offering regular telephone support.

All the money raised will be used to continue the amazing work Back Up do. The charity receives no Government funding and relies solely on donations and fundraising event like The Push.