Last year I went to watch a friend run the Brighton Marathon. I remember feeling overcome with emotion watching the determination of the runners as they strived to cross the finish line. I told myself that one day I would do a half marathon. The following week at home I got on the family running machine but my motivation levels deflated rapidly and I failed miserably in my attempt to train even before I had properly begun. Now, I'm sure you are thinking what would give someone like me the motivation to run a half marathon and actually succeeed when those who know me will be aware of my pretty sedentry excercise levels.

On the 16th September 2013, my Grandad died at the age of 74 whilst I was away travelling leaving myself and my family devastated. For those of you who don't know, my Grandad was not just an old man who sat in a chair relaying stories about the 'olden days'. He was a huge part of my life, looking after my brother and I along with my Grandma at almost every weekend as a child and it was only last April that he took myself and my whole family to Florida where he rode one of the biggest coasters 'Manta'. Every event in my life, every week, every Christmas, every Bonfire Night, every Easter will never be the same without my Grandad. He was my hero and I adored him. Words cannot describe what an absolutely wonderful, kind hearted and loveable man he was. I have realised that despite all the pain and suffering my Grandad was going through, he put on a brave face and got on with things. That was always his nature. I am a big believer in 'mind over matter' and I know that if my motivation to train is in memory of my Grandad and in support of the fantastic work of the British Heart Foundation then I have no doubt that this goal is acheivable. Please support me in this physically and emotionally challenging event raising money for a fantastic cause and in memory of a truly fantastic man. See you at the finish line!