Before my Dad was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis nearly 20 years ago, I had never even heard of MS. This life changing disease affects the nervous system and causes a whole range of symptoms including loss of vision, balance and mobility problems, spasms, memory loss and difficulty with speech to name just a few.

For those of you who have loved ones who have fallen ill, you'll understand how devastating it is to watch someone you love be consumed by such a debilitating illness and feel powerless to help. And with no current cure for MS and over 100,000 people in the UK living with it, we need to raise funds to help vital research.

My Dad is now in a wheelchair and needs help with every day tasks which comes in the form of my ever dependable Mum, his main carer. Although life threw an almighty curve ball at him, he's continued to live with purpose and pride and fights his MS symptoms every single day. So I hope my Dad's strength has rubbed off on me and I can show this marathon the same determination as he has shown MS.

It's always been an ambition of mine to take part in the London Marathon as every year I watch it on TV and feel inspired by the thousands of people who put themselves through such a grueling but ultimately rewarding experience. I feel really excited that in April I get to fulfill my dream and cross that finish line at 26.2 miles feeling proud that not only have I achieved my goal but I've also helped raise money for a charity that's so close to my heart.

Thank you to everyone who supports me.