In April 2014, I received a phone call to say my close friend and cousin had been involved in a motor bike accident in Perth, Australia. After sustaining a bleed on the brain, he had been placed in an induced coma to stem any further damage.

Three weeks in ICU and almost a week in HDU followed, during which doctors assessed the extent of the damage. When he awoke, he found himself unable to walk or speak. Despite being in one of the most advanced medical centres for brain injuries in the world, neither doctors, occupational therapists nor speech pathologists could determine the prognosis.

In July 2014, I travelled to Perth and was reunited with my childhood friend. By that time, he had regained the ability to speak but his memory had been severely affected. Although the immediate perils had passed, it was evident a long road stood ahead. He was unable to walk, his body weak and his speech measured. Nothwithstanding this, his morale and motivation to recover were inspiringly high.

Six months, and countless hours of hard work later, he is back walking, talking and improving every day. The outlook is extremely good and despite facing adversity, his desire to return to normality continues to drive him forward.

April 2015 will mark 12 months since his accident and he plans to travel to London to watch the Marathon. With physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and speech therapy, hopefully April 2015 will be a celebration of what has already been a remarkable recovery.

I decided to run the London Marathon for the Brain Research Trust - A charity which funds vital research into neurological conditions. It investigates conditions such as Alzeimer's, Brain Tumours, Multiple Sclerosis and Brain Trauma. The brain is the most important organ in the body yet until April 2014; I had taken it for granted.

Watching its vulnerability, unpredictability and power demonstrated to me how little we know about the brain. Sadly, most of us will or have been affected, either directly or indirectly, by one of the above conditions. On 26 April 2015, I will be running 26 miles across London to show my support for a great cause. By making a small donation, you can show yours.

Thank you.

Ronan