Hi everyone

On 28th April this year I have decided to run the London marathon to support two great causes; these are:

•The neuroscience research and training at James Cook University Hospital;

•A local community dance school constituted voluntary group, ‘Friends of Fuzion’; which supports its dancers and local charities by fundraising for many good causes.

But first to tell you my personal reasons for wanting to take on the London marathon challenge (and those who know me know that I am not really built for marathon running, so it will be quite an achievement for me to get around the course!!!). To put it simply; I want to support causes which are very close to the heart of one very special, inspirational lady, Vicki Ahmed.

Vicki is a much loved member of my family; she runs the fantastic Fuzion Studio of Performing Arts – a brilliant community-based dance and performing arts studio which she set up to encourage young people off the streets and help them learn to dance and sing; to enjoy themselves to pop music, to help them make new friends, and believe in themselves, and build confidence in their abilities - all whilst getting fitter to music!

After starting the dance school back in 2001 the studio grew from strength to strength and today it has over 200 students of all ages and mixed ability levels and every student takes part in a fantastic annual show held at the Middlesbrough Theatre every year. Indeed, it is the highlight of the year for the parents and the students alike!

What I can tell you about Vicki is that she has a heart of gold; she puts all her time, energy, love and commitment into everything she does and is totally dedicated to the wellbeing of her students. Consequently, Vicki set up the constituted voluntary group, ‘Friends of Fuzion’ to raise money to pay for costumes, props, photoshoots, etc for the annual show; thus making sure every student can join in and feel equal to all others in the school, whatever their personal circumstances.

The group also supports local charities that have touched the hearts of the students in some way, with over £40k+ raised to date. Some of the charities supported include Neuro Science Research, Motor Neurone Disease, Cystic Fibroses, Teesside Hospice, Liver and Kidney Disease, Diabetes and many more. Vicki believes it’s a great lesson for students to help raise money and awareness for local charities as it teaches them that we do not always do things for our own self gain but also for the good of our community.

What I find truly amazing is that this has all been going on while Vicki has been having her own personal battles; having been diagnosed in 2008 with a brain tumour and undergoing a craniotomy to successfully remove a tumour the size of tangerine at that time. Despite this operation being a success, the tumour came back in 2015 and subsequently Vicki has undergone radiotherapy and continues to be regularly monitored to ensure the tumour does not progress further.

Despite the challenging years she has had, Vicki has never floundered in supporting her students and their families when they have been going through tough times. She has worked tirelessly to support local charities close to the hearts of her students and ALWAYS turned up to her dance classes with a smile on her face throughout her diagnosis and subsequent chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments – I am in awe, Vicki!

This is why I have chosen to support neuroscience research and training at James Cook University Hospital as my other ‘good cause’ to run the marathon for. Indeed, all the family would especially like to thank Consultant Simon Tizzard and the team over at James Cook University Hospital for the excellent treatment Vicki received whilst under their care; you are all heroes in my eyes, and it is an honour and privilege to support you in this small way!

My last message is to Vicki - what a truly amazing and inspirational lady you are! Lots of love always xxx