I'm running on behalf of my nearly three year old son Charlie.

Charlie was born full term after a completely normal pregnancy but straight away my wife felt there was something not quite right.

Not long after we got home Charlie stopped breathing and was rushed to hospital. He spent the next 7 days on a ventilator.

That stay in hospital was the start of our journey, which we are still on, to get a diagnosis for Charlie. That journey has included countless emergency hospital admissions, invasive treatments, tests, scans, therapies and appointments. It has been a roller coaster.

But it isn't all doom and gloom. Charlie is the most cheerful little boy I know, even when he's being poked and prodded by doctors he has a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye for the nurses! Now he can sit independently he loves nothing more than sitting "speed reading" his books and being general pest to his big brother, as all little brothers do!

He has brought us so much joy and a grounding that a healthy child is an incredible blessing. I'll be really proud to complete the marathon thinking of him (probably with  a tear or two!) and everything he's been through, which makes running 26.2 miles seem like a complete doddle!

I'm running for Menphys, a charity the provides support to children and young people with disabilities, and their families, in Leicestershire.

Charlie has attended the specialist nursery setting in Burbage since September 2016. The care, support and nurturing that Charlie receives is incredible.  Charlie loves attending each day and gets really excited as soon as he realises where he's going.

Menphys also provide fantastic support to parents providing materials to support and encourage Charlie's development along with coffee mornings and social to foster a support network amongst parents and carers. We have found that support network invaluable.

I would be really grateful if you could support this incredible charity that have made such a positive impact on Charlie and my family.