I've always wanted to run the London Marathon, even as
an overweight and unfit kid back in the 1980s/1990s.  I entered the ballot four years in a row, unsuccessfully, from 2005 to 2009.

I was in the UK for 2005 and 2006 but then moved permanently to New Zealand.

Fast forward to this year and my dad was diagnosed with
chronic liver disease. 

He was admitted to Warwick Hospital in May and on July 1 passed away due to this disease.

I had already applied to the overseas ballot for London before his admission to hospital but have recently started thinking how I could do something in his memory.

I was sadly unsuccessful again.

I came back from New Zealand for Dad's funeral and in September my family moved from New Zealand to be with my mum so we can help her get her house back (my dad had a lot of collections).

I have run 12 marathons, including two in two weeks this
year, so training for and running a marathon is not a new concept to me.

Running London for the British Liver Trust will be my way of putting the spotlight on the charity as well as fundraising with purpose.

My dad's consultant told my mum that the damage done to
my dad's liver was done 30 years earlier, so I would also like to do something that could help prevent another family losing a parent this way.

There are over 100 types of liver condition; some are very rare and many can't be prevented. 20% of the population is at risk of liver disease. 

There are many causes people don’t know about - it is completely misunderstood. 

The British Liver Trust supports patients and families, provides advice and information and works with doctors, nurses and other charities to improve patient care. 

They raise awareness of how to look after your liver, and campaign for better diagnosis and more research. Thank you for your sponsorship.