On 23 April I am thrilled and excited to be part of the "Run Wild" team at the London Marathon, which will be raising funds for Born Free Foundation, an animal charity that’s passionate about wild animal welfare and Compassionate Conservation. 

Why do people run marathons? I was thinking exactly that last October, as I was one of 40,000 runners at the London Marathon, while 750,000 people joined the streets of Britain's capital to cheer this mass effort. It is not easy to explain why someone would want to endure the pain of a 26.2 miles run, and do it with a smile. For me, it is the idea of reaching a goal, physical and metaphorical, that drives me forward. One more mile, one more run, one more starting line, one more finish line. I know I am alive when I know I can try to do this. Reaching the goal is not even that important, but trying is.

More than a sporting event, the London Marathon is the biggest charity fundraising event in the world. I am running in support of Born Free Foundation and I am grateful at every step I am taking, during the preparation, and the actual race, for the support I am given by friends and family, donating to this great charity and sponsoring me for this run. I can never thank you enough for your support.