In April 2024 I ran the London Marathon in aid of Young Lives vs Cancer, 27 years after my first attempt. I thought it would be a one-off, a chance to prove to myself I could still do it, but it turned out to be so much more than that. I met people who had been supported by the charity, learned more about its amazing work and was welcomed into the most warm and positive team you can imagine. I just couldn't turn down the opportunity to do it again, and whilst it IS about running, my overwhelming motivation is to raise as much as I can for this brilliant cause.

It was heartbreaking to lose my beloved mum to cancer, but I couldn't help thinking how devastating it must to be to receive a diagnosis for your child. When a child is diagnosed with cancer life becomes full of fear, for them and their family. Fear of treatment, but also of families being torn apart, overwhelming money worries, of having nowhere to turn, no one to talk to.

Mum loved children and young people, always making time to listen to them and to support them in their hopes and aambitios. I am confident my [slightly creaky] body has another marathon in it, and to raise this money for the charity would be the best tribute - I know she would approve!❤️

To find out more visit www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk