I am running the Great Manchester 10k this year for the fourth time.

This year will be the first time I've raised money for charity, and I've decided to help raise money for Samantha Smith, a local lady who is having to fundraise to save her own life.

Samantha is one of the bravest people I've ever met, and I first met her when running an article about her for Rochdale Online for her first operation. Sam is only a few years older than me, and yet she has faced numerous health problems. Speaking with her before the first surgery, I remember hanging up the phone before bursting into tears at my desk. Her story touched me on a level that I could identify with, having had two life-changing surgeries when I was 20. That said, mine paled in comparison compared to what Samantha was going through.

What makes things even more unfair is Samantha is a mother of two young children, and has had to put a promising career on the backburner whilst she fundraises to save her own life. No-one should have to be in the position, and I hate that such a wonderful person is.

Sam is a lady who has continued to put on a brave face even when she has been dealt bad news after bad news. Even though my newspaper reports on Sam frequently, I want to do more to help her reach a place where she gets some good news for a change.

Please support me in helping Save Samantha.