For me it all started in April 2020 when the Monex Running Club was created. That and the opportunity to leave the house kept me motivated, but my engine and real reason for running goes a little further. I realised how much my body and mind were benefiting from it while I was dealing with some big changes and difficult events in my life. So I want to run the London Marathon to honour what running has meant for me and of course to raise money for the amazing charity "Get Kids Going!", who are doing an incredible job!

There are a number of reasons why I have decided to take on the London Marathon. Get kids Going is a fantastic charity, so raising money for them is important and a great driving factor. From a personal perspective, I am keen to push myself outside the walls of an office environment, shave a few minutes off my current marathon time (blaming it on the cramp!), and most definitely beat Jake Ostrovskis who likes to talk a big game.

As with most people over the past year, I've had a lot of time and not a lot to do. So I like others, I decided to start running. After a while and as my fitness improved, I started to really enjoy a morning run to set me up ready for the day. As time has gone on, I have pushed myself to do longer distances. Deciding to do the marathon was a no-brainer for me; it will give me that push to go further than I ever have and ever would without joining this challenge. The real bonus is I, along with my colleagues, can do it for an amazing charity. I hope by us challenging ourselves to do the London Marathon, we can raise plentiful money for them, to support the charity and those they care for.

I have decided to run the London Marathon for the physical and mental challenge. Following a strict training plan that will push me beyond my comfort zone is daunting, but hopefully it will reward me with lifelong memories. Having the opportunity to run as part of the Monex team and for the charity "Get Kids Going" is an opportunity I couldn't refuse!

I'm running the London marathon because it's always been an ambition of mine to see how far I can push myself both physically and mentally. I've been bearing the elements running to work most days and have seen a real difference in fitness, productivity, and state of mind. I think this is a fantastic charity to support and I'm delighted to be able to set a good example to inspire them to get active.

I have always wanted to run a Marathon, and the fact that my first one is going to be the London Marathon after a year of lockdowns is an incredible opportunity. I cannot wait to see how far I can push myself, and to raise money for an amazing charity at the same time.