I am running the London Marathon 2013 as a tribute and in memory of my mother in law, Ellen, who died in 2009.

The chance to run in the 2013 London Marathon gives me and my family the opportunity to remember Ellen, and to help Beating Bowel Cancer in its efforts to provide vital support to those affected by cancer.

Every 30 minutes bowel cancer claims another life - but more than 90% of people can beat the disease if diagnosed early. Beating Bowel Cancer relies entirely on voluntary income to survive. Without your help the charity simply could not continue its mission to beat bowel cancer.t s

I know that if Ellen was alive today she would be fully behind what I am trying to do. She would be encouraging me, nagging (in a nice way!) me to keep up with the training, come rain or shine. Ellen always put others first. She was devoted to her five children, twelve grandchildren and great grandson, all of whom are firmly behind me. This is my way of giving something back to her. For me there can be no better way of remembering her.

Running a marathon is a huge physical challenge, but not as much of a challenge as those with cancer face every day. Please help me reach my target and enable Beating Bowel Cancer to continue to provide vital support to those with cancer.