Last year I ran my 1st ever marathon and was going well to 20 miles when my back pulled on me. I received treatment by the 1st aiders at the road side and managed to complete albeit in a slower time than I had predicted or hoped for. It was a great experience and I was very proud to raise over £3000 for my local hospital but the fact I didn’t make my time has made determined to run a marathon under 5 hours so I am going to try again and train harder and better. In the past I have raised money for my local hospital, also for hope house children's hospice as well as Emmy Taylor whom I was extremely proud to run for. This is quite possibly my last attempt at the distance so I am training for Lake Vyrnwy Half which takes place in September and then I am going to step up the training for the Paris Full Marathon next April.

This year my cause is a little different. I am running for a disabled little girl Leonie Saffy who is the daughter of 2 very close friends Jason and Zara Saffy.

Leonie has already had numerous major surgeries, and is having Titanium rods inserted into her spine later this year at Alderhey Hospital. A life saving surgery, as her spine is restricting her heart and lung function.

Leonie is a Para Dressage rider, who has ridden for both Wales and Great Britain. Her goal is to ride for Team GB at the Paralympics. The money raised will help support Leonie with her training and allow her to compete in larger competitions, once she has recovered from her surgery.

Thank you to everyone who supports me in my running and I would ask for your support just 1 more time to raise as much as I can for this little girl.

Lee Gorton