Ten years ago, we eagerly anticipated and celebrated the birth of our healthy third child, Thomas. Our world fell apart when just one week after Thomas was born, we were told that the brain damage that Thomas had suffered as a result of a meningitis infection, caused by Group B Strep bacteria, was terminal. When Thomas was 30 days old, he died in my arms, snuggled in our bed between Jason and me.

The journey I have travelled since then has been so difficult, but with the love and support of my incredible husband, amazing family and dedicated friends, I have managed to navigate my way (although many times, I have barely been able to drag myself), along a path I would wish upon no-one.

One of the ways I have managed to find my way, has been through running. Running has given me a reason to escape and to feel free. It has given me the head-space I have needed to try to process my thoughts and my feelings. It has provided a space for me to formulate and edit the posts I have made on social media, to try to explain our story and convey my feelings. It has given me the time to rationally think, when my brain was so fogged with grief. It has let me feel connected with Thomas. It has been a life-line.

The London Marathon has always been on my bucket list, but since Thomas died, I have always dreamed of completing it for him. I have been overwhelmed with emotion, every time I visualise crossing the finish line, knowing the time and dedication I have given to the training, as well as the effort and drive on race day, has been made for him. The timing of the London Marathon will also mean that the peak of my training will start on Thomas' 10th birthday and continue through the anniversaries of his lifetime, so I will be able to mark his tenth birthday by #RunningForThomas dressed as a daffodil #therunningdaffodil

I share the video we made about Thomas' life and the impact that meningitis had on it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdJ3vcW2pL8

You can also learn more about our story and the impact the Thomas' death has had on us as a family, through my blog at...

https://emmalindner6.wixsite.com/thomassamuelcotton

I know times are financially difficult for many, but by sponsoring me in the London Marathon, you will make a real difference to individuals whose lives have been affected by meningitis, while helping to raise vital awareness of this terrible disease. Meningitis Now is a meningitis patient group and is dedicated to fighting meningitis in the UK. They have invested in research as well as provide invaluable support.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

I just hope I can do Thomas proud on the day, keep his memory alive and mark his tenth birthday in a way that I will remember forever