In April this year my dearest friend Zoë Wilson died of a brain tumour at the age of 37. Zoë was a shining light of a human - a wonderful friend, teacher, wife to Matty (who I will be running this 10k with) and mother to her two young boys. It feels very strange to type these words as a big part of me still doesn't believe she is really gone.

Zoë and I became close friends when we met at school in our teens. During our 23 years of friendship we lived together, travelled the world together, were bridesmaids at each other's weddings and godmothers to each other's children. I always imagined us one day becoming old ladies together, causing mischief and making rude jokes (Zoë never went too long without making a brilliantly inappropriate joke). It never occurred to me that I might face life without her.

But, I do believe it is true that those we love become part of us and we are never truly without them. So I am doing my best to channel some of Zoë's fierce determination and positivity. In the months before she died (after several rounds of chemo) Zoë trained very hard for a fundraising triathlon and also completed her 50th park run. Since her death I've found that running helps me to feel close to her, though I am not a natural runner and I am a lot slower than she was. So I am taking on this run for Zoë and for Sue Ryder hospice care.

After being cared for brilliantly by Matty at home as her health declined, Zoe spent her final days in a Sue Ryder hospice. This was her expressed wish when she planned how the end phase of her life would be. Matty told me that she would sometimes pop into the Sue Ryder charity shop to buy stuff and come home joking that she hoped it might mean they would give her the good biscuits at the hospice when the time came.

I was privileged to be able to visit her at Sue Ryder Leckhampton and honestly I could not be more grateful that this place exists. It was not a morbid or depressing environment at all. The grand old building was surrounded by beautiful gardens full of spring flowers. Zoë had a well-equipped, light room where friends and family could visit. She had good food and was cared for with dignity and respect. The relief I felt knowing she was so well looked after was immense. It was very different to a hospital setting which (as wonderful as our NHS is) just can't provide this same level of calm, spacious, individualised end of life care.

But all this expert care comes at an increasing cost and hospices are not well funded by the state. Sue Ryder relies heavily on charitable donations. One in four families will not be able to access their care when they need it. And I really feel passionately now how important it is that this care is there when it is needed.

Any donations would be hugely appreciated and I'm sure will be put go excellent use. Thanks so much for your support for Sue Ryder and for our beautiful Zoë.