Below is the story that I've written on my page for the half marathon (which is in October) - but I've decided to double the distance and give the London Marathon a crack (ha!). So excited and petrified for this but let's give it a go - all for you Inz!! 

I have been speaking about running a half marathon now for quite a while and watching the London marathon inspired me to finally sign up! I am running for Crohn's and Colitis - a charity close to my heart. Many of you will know that in February 2016 we lost the beautiful India Lockhart. India was my absolute best and longest friend and I miss her every single day. India suffered with colitis from about 14 years old which changed her life quite dramatically. She used to be super sporty and if we could go back to our primary school days and bet who would one day run a marathon/half, India would have been the most likely - hands down. Sadly, India's sporting days were over when she became poorly which was really hard for her to adjust to. She took up playing the guitar instead which she was just as talented at. India never experienced remission and was in and out of hospital for years. She became poorly again over Christmas of 2015 and amongst many complications including a stroke and a diagnosis of cancer, India lost her battle in February 2016. I had the joy of being India's maid of honour the summer before she died and also got to spend many days by her bedside when she was poorly, but I would do anything to have her back. India's case of colitis was extreme and it slowly destroyed her immune system which meant that her battle was a toughy. She was a fighter and always so bloody positive. Crohn's and Colitis are an amazing charity who did loads and loads over the 8 years that India was poorly to ensure that she was able to live a somewhat normal life. I want to raise money for the charity so that they can improve the treatments and eventually find a cure so less people have to endure what India and her family has. Losing India has hit us hard so let's do what we can to prevent this from happening to anyone else. Thank you in advance for donations! 

We’re the UK’s leading charity for Crohn’s and Colitis.Right now, over 300,000 people in the UK are living with a lifelong disease that many people have never heard of. And the real number could be almost double that.Because of the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding these diseases, thousands of people are suffering in silence.But they’re not alone.We’re working to improve diagnosis and treatment, and to fund research into a cure; to raise awareness and to give people hope, comfort and confidence to live freer, fuller lives.

The Virgin Money London Marathon is the worlds biggest one-day fundraising event. The incredible course and amazing atmosphere have established it as one of the World Marathon Majors and a must-do on many bucket-lists. Running against a backdrop of roaring crowds, our incredible team will take on 26.2 miles passing the most iconic landmarks in this beautiful city. Every penny raised from the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon will enable critical research, support and awareness about Crohn's and Colitis making a different to the thousands of people living with these lifelong conditions.