I’m running the London Marathon on the 2nd October in memory of my eldest brother Martin. I never actually had the joy of meeting him. He passed away four years before I was born when he was just three years old. My parents faced the sudden - and unimaginable - loss of their first born after he died from myeloid leukemia. 

Even though I never got the chance to meet Martin, he’s always been a part of my life. I still remember the confusion as to where to place him on the family tree when we were asked to draw one at school. To not put him on, would mean he hadn’t existed but what do you do - and say - when you’re asked how many siblings you have and one passed away before you were even around? I sometimes wonder what he’d be doing if he was here now, and if he would have stuck up for me when my older brother, Paul, would play fight with me when we were young. I’d like to think he would. 

I would love to raise funds in his memory for Children with Cancer UK. Cancer is a cruel and destructive disease at any age, but I cannot imagine the pain and heartbreak of hearing a doctor tell you that your child has cancer. I cannot even fathom leaving a hospital without them and having to live the rest of your life. I never appreciated how tough it must have been for my parents when I was child: I would constantly ask questions about Martin. I was curious. I wanted to know more about him. Luckily for me, my mum and grandmother always answered my questions but, as an adult, I now understand it must have been incredibly tough and would have triggered painful memories.

Please, please, please consider donating to this charity. Any sum would be hugely appreciated and will give me a (much needed) push around the marathon course. I am by no means a marathon runner. I’m much more comfortable running much, much shorter distances but what will get me the boost to get round will be knowing that you all believe in me and in your support of this incredible charity. Thank you. 

All my love always, Amy