I have chosen to run the London Marathon 2022 on behalf of the British Heart Foundation in memory of two very important people in my life. 

My friend and business partner Chris Crookall was one of the funniest, kindest and most talented people I've ever known. He was equally talented as he was humble. He would never talk about the incredible successes that were going on in his life; TV dramas he was editing, awards he had won, and countless other achievements. He was so proud of everyone around him and the first person so congratulate others, but, (infuriatingly) he would never shout about the amazing things he was doing himself. 

Something else Chris would rarely talk about was the heart condition he was born with. I had heard our other business partner Nick, refer to Chris as a "miracle baby", but, shamefully, I had no idea how significant this condition was and how frequently he had visited hospital throughout his young life. 

One day, he was a no show for a meeting we'd had scheduled. We knew Chris had a doctor's appointment earlier that morning but it wasn't until later that day we learned that Chris had to have an emergency operation. This was the first time I realised how serious it was.

I remember being really worried, but a couple of weeks later, upon seeing Chris - he told us the funniest story about the experience, that meant the seriousness of his situation almost became forgotten about. Typical Chris. He had the ability to make you laugh until you cried I can remember crying laughing with Chris so many times. 

Chris sadly passed away in October 2020 at the age of 32. He is missed everyday by his wonderful family, beautiful wife and close group of friends. I feel so privileged to have known Chris. He had so much more life to live. 

I hope that by raising money for the BHF, children born with conditions such as Chris's means they can live their lives as fully as possible.

The second person who is motivating me to raise money for this cause, is arguably the greatest influence in my life, my Nan. 

I could speak/write endlessly about my Nan. Who fortunately for our family, survived when she suffered a serious heart attack when I was 5 years old. If it wasn't for the urgent care she was given - then I would never have had the twenty-plus years of memories with her. I feel so privileged that she was my Nan and I try to emulate her humour, kindness and ferocity everyday. 

I am so grateful to the research, medicine and expertise that has gone before that meant my Nan was able to live well into her eighties. I hope that raising money for the BHF means the same for others. 

Thank you for supporting my TCS London Marathon journey with the British Heart Foundation. With your donations, we're raising money for one of the most exciting fields of research - regenerative medicine. We're aiming to fund breakthroughs and find cutting edge new treatments for people living with heart disease. The race is on to heal hearts together. Donations to my page will be sent directly to the British Heart Foundation in a fast and secure way.

THANK YOU xxx