After 14 years of rejections I am so thrilled to have got a place in the London Marathon through the ELR club ballot. I have decided to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity in memory of Richard Kravitz who was a great friend and fellow runner.

Richard was also a member of ELR and played a significant part in my running journey. It was through running with Richard that I learnt to push through the pain and it was with him that I successfully trained for my first sub 25 minute 5K.

Before he died, when talking about my place in the marathon, Richard said two things to me. Firstly that he thought I could do sub 4 hours (I am still laughing about this one!) but secondly that he wanted me to think about him when I am coming out of the final tunnel and am "blowing". I therefore have no doubt it will be Richard who will be getting me through the final miles and over the finish line.

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world's leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, we're moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour.

We're set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And we're doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can't wait.