Like most people, I've lost friends and loved ones to cancer. All of them fought brave battles that they ultimately lost, but more people than ever are overcoming these challenges. I want to overcome my own challenges to raise money that will help more people to beat cancer.

Let's be clear. I hate running. Always have. Despite loving sport, I've never enjoyed running and it certainly doesn't come naturally. I also don't particularly like large crowds and have a past history of panic attacks. Add to this that I tore my medial knee ligament in August 2015 and subsequently suffered two pulmonary embolisms, you have to ask, why the hell would I run a marathon? 

Well I want to prove to myself that I can overcome these obstacles and achieve the unlikely. Finishing the marathon would represent the ultimate victory over my own challenges and hopefully prove to others that they can conquer theirs. And if I can run a marathon, then anyone can.

You can follow my trials and tribulations in my blog - The Diary of a Reluctant Runner - http://ostar81.blogspot.co.uk/

Thank you so much for your support.