I have been a runner for many years and have always run for my own sake - to have a free space, to be fit and to achieve my goals. Now I have had the chance to fulfill my dream of running the legendary London Marathon while helping others, by being part of Team Orchid and fundraising a solid chunk of money for Orchid Cancer.

Orchid Cancer is a charity that fights male cancers (prostate, testicle and penis) by funding research, providing support to cancerous men and their families, and not least raising awareness about male cancers and how to spot them - something that in many ways can be a delicate subject.

I am glad that all the money from my fundraising goes directly to fighting cancer - something that we, in my family, are fighting again right now and which unfortunately affects too many families.

And then I obviously look forward to run in London - undoubtedly the city I have visited most times and where I have a lot of good friends through Arsenal and running.