Even with two bad knees, I'm much more comfortable running than writing sincerely in public... But the London marathon is the BIG one. And I want to use it to raise some cash for something that's mattered to me for longer than I can remember.

Before I was born, my parents lost their first child. A stillbirth. His name was Matthew.

As a kid, I remember visiting the grave of the brother I'd never got to meet. But it was years before I could understand the impact it had on my mum and dad.

Losing a baby at any stage during pregnancy is devastating. For a time, their lives fell apart.

It was support from Sands in the weeks and months after Matthew died that helped them get back on their feet.

Sands is a stillbirth and neonatal death charity who do amazing work with a whole range of services to help thousands of families like mine.

They put together groups all over the country where bereaved parents can support each other.

35 years after my parents' lost their son, there is still a taboo around miscarriages and stillbirth. Having somewhere for parents to share their experiences openly and be heard is utterly invaluable.

My mum and dad helped to found the Sands support group in our home town as their way of helping give back to the charity.

Raising a few quid by dragging my increasingly injury-prone body around 26 miles of London is mine....

Any pounds you can spare will be massively appreciated!