In April 2013, my stepdad Michael was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer. The doctors, nurses and staff at the Dorset Cancer Centre in Poole Hospital did everything they could but Michael's cancer will never be cured.

Last year, my brother Luca ran in the Poole Festival of Running, and my amazing mum ran the Bournemouth Marathon (and she's up to more crazy things this year), both for the Poole Hospital Charity. I thought it was high time I joined my family in doing my bit. I'm really excited to take part, and my training is well under way- as is the 'healthy' competition with my mum.

Please join me and my family in supporting the work of the Dorset Cancer Centre. Any amount, large or small, will help- the more we can raise, the better the care the Dorset Cancer Centre can give to patients like my stepdad Michael.

Thanks for all your support and generosity.

Andrea