In the past 2 years I have undergone spinal operations, fought for my life with sepsis which nearly beat me. Lost a year of my life to oxycontin and other pills following the sepsis. Suffered spinal cord issues and then, once in October '22, I got to a point of normality, broke my foot, caught an illness and developed pneumonia. I mean, I can't say my life has been boring.

The journey has been painful, at times it has had me beaten and on the ropes, not wanting to be here, demoralised, depressed and devastated. The one thing I said publicly I would do was complete the London Marathon. So here I am, down, but not out, refusing to go quietly.

Why blood cancer UK? I have been affected personally with blood cancers, witnessing friends and family members go through this, some battles we have won, some we have lost. Even the ones we have won have taken a toll on those that have survived and their families.

This charity are a community dedicated to beating blood cancer. They do this by funding research and supporting those affected. Since 1960, they've invested over £500 million in blood cancer research, transforming treatments and saving lives. Right now, our community is funding 360 researchers and staff across the UK who are searching for the next breakthrough. The day we will beat blood cancer is now in sight and the researchers are determined to finish the job.