On 15th October 2013 my friend James Lee Brynin was shot whilst serving with the Intelligence Corps in Afghanistan. 

It was a surreal time to say the least, especially for his family. Unfortunately, it happens all too often and yet you never expect to hear your friend’s name in that context.

His bravery, unwavering determination and willingness to keep going made me sure I had to do something to make a difference.

Hounds for Heroes is a charity close to James’s heart and the perfect way to honour his memory. The purpose of HFHs is to provide specially trained assistance dogs to injured and disabled men and women of both the UK Armed Forces and the Emergency Services.

As much as it hurts to think he’s not here to tell me to step it up a gear on a 10k or ‘man up’ on a 13 miler, I know he’s going to be with me every step of the way. That driving force that makes me sprint the last mile, that voice that tells me I can do it and that nothing is beyond reach.

I know it’s not going to be easy, but when I look at his devoted family I’m sure that if they can get through this then 26.2 miles is nothing!

For every run I complete in training, I have him to thank. For every time I feel ready to give up the challenge I look up to the sky and ask him to help, because I know that nothing compares to the hurt and grief his family face day after day. 

For every time I stumble and fall I know I’ll get back up again because James made everyone feel like they could achieve and I plan to do just that for him and his inspiring family.

Please dig deep and give generously to this fantastic cause – I can’t think of a young man more deserving than Jay.