I believe myself to be a keen fundraiser and someone who is always up for a challenge. Since I was small I have always watched athletes, celebrities and the general public compete in marathons and admired their stories. I have not gone into this half-heartedly and understand that the training that goes into a marathon is both challenging yet incredibly rewarding. So many children and adults are helped by this commitment to train by both celebrities and the general public. All of who have their own reasons for raising money for a particular charity. So here goes, I'm about to share mine...

In October 2008, my beautiful mother Debbie Slater was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Prior to this, my mother had suffered with memory blanks, minor seizures and depression. After undergoing tests, it was found that she had a benign tumour but when analysed malignant cells were evident. With the support of her family and friends, my mum underwent surgery to have this removed in May 2009. Due to further complications my mum remained in Queen's Medical Centre for over a month. She was then transferred to Pilgrim Hospital, to the Stroke Unit after suffering left-sided paralysis following the surgery. She underwent physiotherapy to help her walk again, and to build up the confidence that she had lost. My mum was transferred back home, and went on to receive radiotherapy treatment. She will continue to have MIR scans every 6 months, so any further growth can be tracked and treated as quickly as possible. My mum is an incredible woman, and I can only thank the nurses, surgeons, doctors and physiotherapists that helped her to where she is today. She is not the same woman that she was and probably never will be but because of charities like Brain Tumour UK, and the research they carry out, she is here.

So I ask those of you who read this page to make a donation whether big or small, so that children and adults affected by this now, and in the future can have a brighter one. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.