On Sunday 3rd October I am taking on a Marathon for the first and last time. I've always wanted to run the London Marathon - I have been to watch the event a number of times and love the buzz created throughout the City. But the thought of running 26.2 miles has never appealed to me at all!

I'm only 34, but my body is made of glass and breaks very easily, so I am delighted to be a week away from the event and *fingers crossed*, be ready to take on the challenge ahead. This is the reason I've left fundraising so late in the day. I didn't want to raise money for a fantastic charity, and then not be able to complete the challenge I was raising money for.

The Samson Centre is a charity who's work I have seen over the last 12 years. My mother-in-law, Mary, has Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This disease affects the central nervous system by disrupting the flow of nerve signals around the body, which can eventually result in difficulty with mobility. Mary is an inspiration in the way she tackles the challenges she faces everyday with a positive attitude despite her ever decreasing mobility. The Samson Centre helps to keep her active and as such maintain her independence. Exercise helps people with MS to manage their symptoms, keeping them mobile and their muscles moving. Each year the Samson Centre provides:

• over 3,500 sessions of physiotherapy
• 4,000 exercise classes
• 2,500 sessions of oxygen therapy

The Samson Centre is funded entirely by voluntary donations – and need to raise over £275,000 a year to keep the centre going.

When I'm 20 miles in and running further than I ever have before I will be using a mantra that got my wife through the marathon she did a few years ago:

I run because I can. When I get tired I remember those who can't run, what they would give to have this simple gift I take for granted, and I run harder for them.

This one's for you Mary. I'm hoping I can do it in under 3 hours for you!