I’m new to the running game - it was only when I got my dog Zola nearly 2 years ago that I discovered it, because it turns out walking is boring.

This will be my first marathon, and I’m privileged to be running for Teenage Cancer Trust, whose work treating, supporting and caring for young people age 13-24 with cancer is particularly close to my heart.

My mum Sandra passed away in 2015, after 2 years of round-the-clock care, treatment, and hospital stays for the aggressive brain tumour that changed my life overnight. I saw the resilience, pain, and compassion that cancer demands. I saw the tirelessness of nurses and staff working under incredible pressure. I saw how shit cancer can be and what it can take away.

Above all, my mum loved being a mother and took the role very seriously well beyond our teens. She particularly enjoyed caring for and spending time with children and young people. Therefore, the best way I can think of honouring her memory is by running for Teenage Cancer Trust; contributing to funding specialist care, support and TLC they provide to young patients at the most frightening time in their lives.