The time has come, I'm running the 2017 London Marathon. 

I've attempted to get a run in this great race for the last 4 years and this year I got a place. I'm grateful for the opportunity to push myself past the limits because I know by running this event I can make a difference by raising money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Most of us have a close friend or family member that has bravely battled cancer, some of which didn't get the all clear. This is a close one for me as we've lost some special family members through recent years all supported and cared for in some way at The Royal Marsden. 

My great aunt Denise Robertson, was the latest reason I wanted to make a difference, my aunty was at The Royal Marsden last spring after being diagnosed, she was well cared for by the team but sadly didn't make it back to the north east of england to her home. 

Denise gave her life to supporting and helping others and is missed by so many people in her family and through her work with the  agony aunt on ITV's This Morning for years, she was also a prolific author and patron to a number of special charities. A keen supporter of her hometown football team Sunderland she was very much part of the community of the north east. 

I'm running the marathon to make help improve cancer research so we can help more people make it through this difficult, unexpected challenge. 

Please support me and thanks for reason my story.