I can’t quite believe that it will be 10 years this July since my twin sister died after suffering a stroke. She was fit and healthy, in the final year of her PhD and was loving and living life to the full. I was in shock and running on auto for the first few months after she died and it took a long time to allow myself to grieve and come to terms with life without my best friend and sister. I am eternally grateful for the overwhelming support I got from work colleagues, Sue's friends, my friends, family and especially my husband. If it looked like I was coping, it was only because of your support that I managed to get through that difficult time.

I have chosen to run the London marathon in Sue's memory because to me it represents a significant personal challenge. In other words, I am going to find it really difficult! I have already been pulling in favours from work colleagues to keep me running through injury and advice from friends who have already run a marathon. It is also an opportunity to raise money for the Stroke association who fund research, promote awareness and support those who have survived a stroke, who include my Aunt and my Father. Their work has helped to improve treatment and care, increased awareness through campaigns such as FAST, and its services are invaluable to those who are adjusting to life after a stroke.

Thank you so much for your donations, helping me to honour my sisters memory and help those affected by stroke. This is for you Sue! My everlasting love for you and your cheeky smile will get me past that finish line.