I am running the Royal Parks Half Marathon in memory of my grandad, Kenneth Mead (Ken for short) who sadly passed away 14 years ago due to a mesothelioma diagnosis.

As a teenager, my grandad was exposed to asbestos whilst working in a lot of old buildings and had no idea he was working amongst the deadly "asbestos". He would never have known to check the buildings to see if asbestos was present and had no idea that his health and life would be cruelly cut short.

Ken was diagnosed in 2009 and heartbreakingly passed away in 2010,only a year later.

I am really pleased to be able to help raises awareness and vital funds for the London Asbestos Support Awareness Group as the work they do is very close to my heart and that of our family.

London Asbestos Support Awareness Group provides practical and emotional support to anyone affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases across London and Home Counties. The team understand the impact such diseases have on sufferers and family members, both physically and psychologically, and are very experienced in delivering support at home, over the phone and at our monthly support groups.

The staff are knowledgeable about benefits and compensation schemes, and maintain close liaison with other key professionals in the care of the sufferer and their families.