I am running the TCS London Marathon on the 27th of April this year. The charities I have chosen are two that have huge meaning for me.

In June 2021 my great friend, Billy Thomas, passed away unexpectedly and far too soon at the age of 15.

My run is for Billy.

Billy had previously been treated by the Royal Brompton Hospital and I would like them to receive half the money raised in memory of Billy and to carry on their amazing work.

To help me process losing Billy I sought mental health support. A huge help for me was being part of Benfleet Town FC with Billy's brothers and friends, supporting each other through this tragedy whilst sharing our and Billy's love of football.

MindSTONES is a small Men's mental health charity affiliated to Maidstone United, encouraging men to be together, supporting each other at difficult times, through their shared love of playing football - exactly as we did.

Their approach to supporting mental health through football, something that helped me enormously, is why I would like them to be my second charity.

Billy was a massive West Ham fan. I am a massive Arsenal fan. If I raise over my £500 target I will be running the marathon in a West Ham shirt, something Billy will find hilarious whilst supporting me from above on the day.

Thank you so much for helping me support two great charities in memory of my great mate.

Ross