At the end of last year my 17 year old niece Lilly became very unwell. At the beginning of this year she was diagnosed with cancer and now, a few months later, she is cancer free, thanks to the care she received from the Royal Marsden. The journey of course hasn't been as simple as that sentence.

So when my dear friend and colleague Rani asked me a few months ago if I'd run the Royal Parks half marathon in support of the Royal Marsden cancer charity with her, without thinking about it, I said yes. The plan was to do it together but Rani has injured her knee in the process unfortunately so it's just me, representing us both!

Rani was motivated to to do it because back in 2010 at the age of 17, her younger brother Amrik was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The diagnosis came as a complete shock, no one in the family had ever been treated for cancer. The staff at the Royal Marsden provided exceptional care for Amrik but also looked after the whole family throughout the entire process. When the cancer returned a year later Rani and her family took great comfort knowing that Amrik was back under the care of the Royal Marsden. He has now made a full recovery and is 12 years in remission.

We know that so many of you are familiar with the Marsden. Cancer affects us all indirectly or directly. Whether our feelings about the Marsden are tied up with joy or grief, I know that deep gratitude runs through everyone who's had a loved one under their care, because the care is extraordinary. It's so genuine and their professionalism and great humour makes every experience so much easier.

When I asked Lilly what she had to say about them she said: 'They made me feel nice, they made me feel special. They were so lovely. I felt so welcome. Yeah, I felt at home'. Then I asked what she'd say to them now and she just said: 'Thank you'.

So, this run is for the nurses and doctors. For taking care of Lilly, Amrik, my mum and so many more.

Thanks for reading this. I'd be so delighted if you would sponsor me - I know we all get asked a lot. 13.1 miles is a long way for me but it will be made all the easier if I do well with the amount I raise. If you can give £5 or £5,000 it will all add up and go to a brilliant outfit doing fantastic work. If you fall in to the latter category, I can keep adjusting my fundraising target upwards - don't let the current number deter you or dampen your giving ambitions!

Me and Lilly this summer. She always looks gorgeous in photos. Shame the same can't be said about me in this one! I did ask her permission to post this. No one wants to embarrass the teenagers in their life....