I am so fortunate that on my first time applying for the London Marathon, I have secured a place in the ballot. This means I can simply turn up and run for fun without the need for fundraising.

However, I think it is an amazing opportunity to raise vital funds for Children with Cancer UK, without the added stress of a minimum amount I need to raise. There is no pressure to sponsor me and no pressure to reach a certain amount, I just want to raise as much money as I can for the children and their families.

There have been a number of high profile cases of children with cancer in recent years. The tragic story of Ashley Cain and Safiyya Vorajee's 8-month old daughter Azaylia and her battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Before that, we had the story of brave Bradley Lowery, who at 6 years of age sadly lost his battle with High risk Neuroblastoma after a long fight

Unfortunately, these are just a couple of stories that reach the news. There are thousands of similar stories that we never hear about which are no less important and just as devastating. 12 children in the UK are diagnosed with cancer every single day. This has a massive impact on the children and their families.

Cancer sucks for anyone, any age and we need to try and do more. I don't think that any child should have to go through a battle with cancer. The work that Children with Cancer UK do to support the children and their families is incredible:

* They are working to develop safer, kinder & more effective childhood cancer therapies, with fewer toxic side effects.

* They invest in childhood cancer research that would otherwise go unfunded.

* They create precious memories by providing days out to give families respite – a moment away from hospital to create lasting memories. Over 75,000 guests have joined them to date, experiencing fun filled days whilst creating special support networks with others going through similar experiences.

* In 2019 alone they gave £288,000 towards free family accommodation close to hospitals and 1,263 financial grants were given to families to help alleviate the cost of cancer and allow families to stick together when it matters.

I know money is tight for everyone at the moment and it is a pretty tough time for us all. But, if you can spare any amount, however small you may feel it is, I would be so grateful! Tesco are right, every little really does help!

I am really going to find running for 26.2 miles tough I am not going to lie! But it is absolutely nothing compared to what these children and families go through!

More Children with Cancer UK info here: https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/

Children with Cancer UK stories: https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/story-category/patient-stories/