Paralysis, unfortunately, is like the advert about a puppy - it's for life! Well at the moment it is but research is moving on and my aim in raising as much as I can for Spinal Research gives me hope that very soon paralysis as a life sentance will soon be a thing of of the past.

My brother, Colin Javens, was injured seven years ago and ended up paralysed from the shoulders down. He was determined, however not to be ruled by his misfortune. His decision to "Live his Dream" saw him leading an overland driving expedition from the UK to South Africa .

He drove an adapted Landrover from London through some of Africa's harshest countries - Sudan, Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya and arrived in South Africa 6 months after setting out - www.colinjavens.com

His expedition was an unmitigated success, he and his team, survived, and they raised well over £600,000 for Spinal Research and Stoke Mandeville.

His return from Africa saw the formation of the West Midlands branch of Spinal Research and his mission was much the same as it was on the expedition:

1) To raise funds for the research into the repair of the inured spinal cord

2) To raise awareness of spinal injury

His ability to overcome adversity and to live his dream has motivated me to run the Flora London Marathon to help support his cause.

I know what a challenge this is - I ran the Marathon 5 years ago so I do know what I'm letting myself in for! But I have trained for the last 4 months and my training programme until 13th April is rigorous. I feel that I have to give it my very best shot - for Colin to have done what he did, and to have the attitude that he does, the very least I can do is perform to the best of my ability.

I have worked really hard for this because I really want to contribute to Spinal Research, so please give generously, even the smallest donation will be of great benefit.

Thank you for reading this and if you do donate, please accept my sincere thanks!