Never thought I'd say this but this year I've been lucky (or unlucky) enough to get a ballot place in the London Marathon (!!!)

As a slow and leisurely runner, the training has been a battle but am learning to love it. Every time the long runs get tough the person that gets me through (bar coach Ed) is the thought of my amazing Mum.

Two years ago, Mum was taken ill whilst on holiday. She was in hospital for almost 4 months in total, had to undergo two lots of brain surgery and we were very close to losing her. Meanwhile, my amazing Dad had to navigate a number of Spanish hospitals, whilst making sure we could actually get her back to the UK.

One of the charities that helped during that time was Shine, who specialise in a unique condition Mum had as part of her illness called hydrocephalus. Everything from the amount of helpful info on their website, their direct hotline with people who've lived with hydrocephalus and even a personal card that she can carry on her to show what people around her can do to support her has been all been a huge help to us during and post her illness.

Two years on, my Mum is back to her usual self and has the biggest zest for life and is just amazing!! She has recently started running herself and does 2 miles every day! - for a 62 year old, not too shabby.

Shine are a small charity with many of their services funded entirely by charitable donations, so I'm running the marathon for them.

Please give anything you can (big or small) and fingers crossed the 26 miles is kind to me!!!