As the local Fundraising Manager for Macmillan I watched so many of our local supporters do the Hull 10k last year (or should I say the Hull 9k - whoops!) and felt so inspired by the runners and cheerers of Team Macmillan that I simply had to do it this year - for them. I just didn't have the conscience to keep encouraging the wonderful people of Hull and East Yorkshire to do something that I wasn't prepared to do myself. So in the interest of fairness, and mutual respect, I'm throwing on my running shoes and hopefully I'll make it past the finish line before dark!

Having decided to register for the event this year, I couldn't help think about two very special people, who sadly died last year. These people both had a huge impact on my life. So on June 8th, I'm doing it for them too.

One of them was the first person to ever make me smile - throughout my life, he was truly one of my biggest fans and his enthusiastic and unwavering support has helped to shape the person I am today. On January 14th 2013, in some kind of poetic life balance, I was the last person to make him smile, before he heart breakingly lost his fight with pancreatic cancer. Throughout his short battle with cancer, which lasted only 6 weeks from diagnosis to death, he remained strong for his family, maintaining his patriachal duties at all times. He organised and planned as best as he could to make sure that his loved ones were cared for after he had gone. Not only did he leave a renewed will and instructions, but he left memories. Wonderful, tear-jerking and smile-making, cherished memories. He held court on a family holding in Ravenscar just a week before he died. He never lost his sense of humour, nor his dignity. He was stoic, and courageous right to the end. A day has not passed without a thought for him. A memory of him. A longing for him. He was my hero, my leader, my teacher, my sat nav, my entertainer, my friend. He was my Grandad.

During my work with Macmillan, I had the privilege to meet one of the most positive, upbeat, happy, smiley, all round lovely people; anyone could ever hope to have the good fortune to know. Vicki Haley was a passionate Macmillan supporter and volunteer, and very quickly she became a great friend. Having moved back to the East Riding after 8 years in Staffordshire, most of my friends had since moved away. Spending time with my family was wonderful, and something I'd greatly missed while I was away. I loved spending time at home with my new housemate - my little Mum! But I did miss the company of local friends, who I could just pop round and see for a chat and a brew. Vicki, and her wonderful Mum Ann, soon became these kinds of friends. Vicki taught me the true power of a smile, and what it is to be truly selfless. Throughout her battle with cancer Vicki's radiant smile never faded. She persevered through illness and heartbreak, with the best interest of other people at the heart of everything she did. Her children were her number one priority, followed closely by her family and fantastic friends. Vicki also chose to support a group of people who she actually had never met. Because of the support she received from Macmillan, she made it her mission to raise as much money for the charity as she could, for as long as she could. Vicki and her family were so grateful for the support provided by Macmillan, and equally aware that not everyone would get such support due to something as simple as money - so Vicki's steely resolve took her across the Humber Bridge dressed in a very wacky wig, she hosted parties and spoke at events. Vicki and her family raised over £15,000.00 in 2013 to help Macmillan make sure no-one faces cancer alone. Now it's my turn to take on the mantel, and find the next £1000.00.

One of Vicki's proudest achievements was completing two 10k runs, and when (not if) I manage to cross that finish line on June 8th, it will certainly be one of my proudest days too.

My Grandad used to love running down the street to the surprise of anyone he was with. Before the cancer, he was the picture of health, and in better shape at 82 than most people are at 52! Often when taking the dog for a walk, he would sprint the last street home, and laugh at the open mouthed expressions that would greet him! When waiting in a queue he would amuse whoever he was with, with an impromptu little dance. These little bursts of energy were just part of his charm and comedy. As I run through the streets of Hull on June 8th, raising money for the charity that looked after my Grandad in his final weeks, I hope to draw on some that very same mischievous energy. Who knows I might even cross the finish line with a dance!

By keeping these incredible, inspirational people in mind, I feel motivated to take that extra step in a morning when I'm out jogging, trying to build up my fitness for the big day in June. I know their spirit will help me push for that extra step in Hull, when tiredness and exhaustion threaten to take my energy. I also know that by taking on this challenge for them, for me, and for all of the wonderful Macmillan supporters, I will also be inspiring people to donate to keep this incredible charity going. In turn, these donations will help Macmillan take an extra step of their own - towards making sure no one has to face cancer alone.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read about what motivates me. I hope the energy and spirit of these two remarkable people inspires you to donate too.