For the last fifteen years, I’ve shouted until I’m hoarse at mile 25 of the London Marathon.  I’ve been moved to tears by people hobbling almost on the verge of collapse, and been humbled by the thousands  of volunteers who turn out to cheer the runners on.

This year, however, is going to be more special than ever because I’ve decided to get off my backside, throw on my green running vest and run the marathon for Macmillan.

I’m excited, terrified and wondering how I’m going to fit it all but I’m determined to do it in memory of a very special friend.

When my phone rang on the morning of the London Marathon last year a very familiar name popped up - it was Irene and I jumped to answer it. We usually spoke at least once a week, sometimes for hours on end, but recently our phone calls had taken on a very different tone. For the previous six weeks we’d been talking about one thing - her devastating diagnosis with untreatable pancreatic cancer and how she was coping with her ever-developing symptoms and her all too-fast approaching end of life.

Supporting somebody to die (and I mean that in the loosest possible sense as I did nothing that can be described as caring - that was all done by Irene’s wonderful niece Natasha) is a very humbling experience, and in Irene’s case it was a privilege and an honour. Yes, we talked about the sad things but there were a lot of laughs and a lot of normality. I just wish it could have gone on for longer.

That Sunday in April was to be my last ever chat with Irene. My phone would never ring or beep with a text with her name on it again. That’s very final and makes me sadder than I can ever describe.

So, I’m running the marathon this year because I can and Irene can’t. The long winter runs at the weekend have been hard and cold and the after work ‘speed’ training sometimes horrendous.   I’m sure the 26 Miles on the day will feel like 50, but I know I’ll have Irene with me every step of the way and if that doesn’t keep me going nothing will.

So, roll on April 22nd when I’ll be proud to be one of Team Macmillan raising money so we can support more people like Irene.  Please support me to do this - I’ll value your contribution no matter how big or small.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.Fundraising is hugely important to Macmillan. Without people doing events, running marathons, climbing mountains, and donating in all the other ways that you can, Macmillan wouldn’t exist.Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs.