In my own Personal Training & Gym Business we ask why a member's goal is important to them, and how would it feel if they did not achieve their goal. Well, this is my why.

On 1st July 2021, my 85 year old Dad had a stroke, only 4 weeks after being diagnosed with severe heart failure - he had already had a pacemaker fitted over 15 years ago. The Doctors / hospital staff did not give my Dad much chance of survival but after 2 months he was discharged into a local Nursing Home near Carnforth, Lancashire - only a few miles from my parents' home. My Mum would visit Dad every other day, and I would visit every couple of weeks as visiting was restricted because of COVID.

My mum spent Christmas Day and Valentine's Day in the Nursing Home with Dad, and they even celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on the 19th Feb, 2022. Dad was making a great recovery - his speech was getting much better and he was starting to take a few steps. The conversations started to turn to Dad returning home.

Dad amazingly came home on the 20th June, 2022 - sadly Mum was not there to share the moment. Mum had had a very severe stroke (her left carotid artery was completely blocked) on the 25th Feb - only 6 days after their wedding anniversary. Mum was very poorly and although it had been agreed Mum was ready for discharge to the same Nursing Home, Dad was in, she passed away on the 25th April, 2022. She was aged 79.

Stroke has significantly affected my family, having lost Mum and Dad still requires loads of support, but I would do anything for him. My Mum and Dad provided me with so much support so now is the time to try and give something back, and also raise as much money as I can for the Stroke Association.

Therefore this is my WHY ... it has always been a goal of mine to run a marathon, I have completed 2 half marathons, but running for the Stroke Association, in honour of my Mum ... and also on behalf of my Dad gives me a real purpose.

My sponsorship target is £5600 - £100 for every year, Mum and Dad were married.