Sophie was a wonderful person and a great friend. We met at Univeristy playing basketball together and have been to Spain, Cornwall and Sweden together since, with so many memories to treasure.

She became ill in March and spent months battling an aggressive blood disorder. She was diagnosed with Myelodisplastic Syndrome (MDS) in June 2016. The only cure for this condition is a bone marrow transplant, so PLEASE if you are not already on the register, take the time to sign up to help people with life threatening conditions. Sadly, after her transplant Sophie developed Graft versus Host Disease and passed away in December. A wonderful, kind person who deserved so much more from life. The Anthony Nolan charity does a huge amount for those affected with diseases of the blood, so please donate to further their incredible work.

I have always wanted to run a marathon, but now it has so much more meaning. I will do my utmost to complete the challenge, although as with everyone, there is a chance of injury or illness. I have been training through all weathers - dark, cold, rainy and even snowy. Your support will provide that extra motivation to keep me going when it gets tough. Thank you!