I am running London Marathon 2020, for Eikon as my '30th medal before I'm 30'. 

I am going to be lucky enough to turn 30 with a loving family, wonderful friends and an amazing partner. Mike, my partner, has helped me through thick and thin and taught me a lot about how to deal with what life throws at you. 

When Mike was 12, his parents separated which lead to a change in behaviour at school - getting into trouble. His class tutor referred him to Eikon to try and make him more productive in class. This was a big success and Mike's behaviour returned to normal. 

At the age of 13, one of Mike's friends Matthew, died whilst they were out celebrating his birthday, which lead to Mike developing a panic disorder. Once again, his school life and relationships were effected. Eikon worked tirelessly with Mike and his family to improve his attendance and the quality of his work as well as his behaviour. This was a continuous process for 2 years until Mike became independent again.

At the age of 16, Mike's mother Carroll, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Bizarrely, this was the event that Mike dealt with best and that is testament to Eikon. Despite this news, Eikon encouraged Mike to carry on with his studies for his G.C.S.E's. He sat all of his exams and broke up for the summer. One week before his G.C.S.E results, Carroll died. He received 5 A's and 5 B's in his results despite being predicted all C grades. 

Eikon provide help and guidance for young people in Surrey, from a listening ear at school to a referral to the NHS. Eikon will always fufill the duty of care that every parent wishes for their child. Mike had both one to one sessions with social workers and group sessions to ensure he knew he wasn't alone in his journey. To ensure that others receive the same support he did, Mike became a trustee of Eikon this year.

It is so easy for children to become a product of their situation. We're not all blessed with an easy life or the ability to deal with situations as well as we'd like. I am extremely lucky to have a strong, supportive, loving partner by my side to enjoy this wurl-wind we call life. I know that's down to the help and support given to him by Eikon, growing up. 

Running London Marathon for Eikon is my way of saying 'Thank you' to them for the amazing support Mike and his family were given by the charity. He has become the man my daughter and I love.