On Friday 20th July 2012, myself and another friend were involved in a bad speedboating accident off the coast of Dorset that resulted in the death of our close friend Charlie Hutton. We were 14 years old at the time.

Charlie was a fantastic, funny and kind boy. He was also extremely talented, often wooing others with his magic on the piano and hockey pitch. I was lucky to call him a friend. The photo of us paddleboarding above is one of only 2 photos of us together and a cherished memory. It was taken the night before he died as we paddled off laughing into the sunset, with varying success given the huge height differences between us!

In his memory, I am raising money for the RNLI, who performed truly heroic work on the day of the accident. RNLI volunteers rescued us in the middle of the ocean and with support of a coastguard helicopter, flew Charlie to Southampton Hospital. Unfortunately, he did not make it and died as a result of his injuries.

I also suffered serious injuries to my left leg, where the boat propeller cut through several of my tendons around my foot and ankle, and broke bones in my leg and foot from the impact. RNLI lifeboat crew members rescued and took me to the Isle of Wight Hospital where I had surgery to fix the damage to my leg. The doctors had initially told my parents that, as a result of my injuries, I may never be able to run again. So, I consider myself incredibly lucky and indebted to the RNLI to be able to even run a Marathon 13 years on in Charlie's memory.

The RNLI is a charity, wholly dependent on donations and the amazing work of their volunteer crew members. Since being founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 143,500 lives, providing 24-hour search and rescue right around the UK and Ireland. The money we help raise could provide the kit and training that keeps their brave crew safe when they drop everything in an instant to go to the rescue of someone in danger at sea. I am grateful that this wonderful charity has given me the opportunity to fundraise for them in the memory of Charlie!