As this is the third year I am taking part in the Leeds 10k, many of you may already know my story, my motivation that keeps me driven. For those who don't know, my motivation and inspiration is my dad.

The first time I took part in the Leeds 10K, I remember my dad telling me that I didn't have to do it as he knew I was struggling with the training, yet he knew how determined I was that no matter what, through all the stitches, aches and injuries I would complete the 10K and I would do it for him. When I crossed the finishing line, I knew how proud he was. Proud for everyone who took him as inspiration and together, complete the race raising money for a good cause.

Now this is the third year I'm taking part in the 10k and the second year I am running on behalf of Brain Tumour Research and Support in Yorkshire. The facts about brain tumours are shocking along with the lack of funding to support the cause. Now I understand unless you have experienced first hand how brain tumours can affect lives, you can never funnly understand the importance of such charities but I was one of those people, oblivious to how life can suddenly just change and reality hits. Fact's and my personal experience is all I can provide to stress how important each and every donation is...

1) Almost 5,000 people lose their lives to a brain tumour every year.

2) Just 14% of adults survive for five years after diagnosis.

3) There are over 120 different types of brain tumours, making effective treatment very complicated.

My dad got diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiform, one of the most aggressive form of Brain Tumour. His diagnosis hit hard on our family but nothing could prepare us for the moment which his life got taken away from us. A loving father, husband, brother and uncle, his jokes and incredible personality could get you through even the darkest of times. I mean how do you cope when someone you have known all or most of your life is suddenly taken away from you, how do you behave, what is normal anymore. The way you see the world suddenly changes; The things you used to worry about... Gone. Getting stressed or angry at now what seem like little things... Gone. Your perspective on life changes because you realise there are far more important things that you forget until something happens to put all that into perspective. For some people this could be seeing a close friend go through a tragic moment but for some people its experiencing first hand that makes it all fit into place. I don't want everyone to realise what they already have when it's too late... People need to realise when they are sitting down for a meal with the family or casually chatting about there day how lucky they are to be sat there experiencing that moment because sadly, that moment will one day fade and all that will be left are regrets.