I was shocked and devastated to get the news that our lovely cousin Catherine's husband Matt collapsed with a sudden heart problem while running in Aug 2018. 

We all had our fingers crossed while he was on life support but tragically he never regained consciousness. He was 37 years old. 

Matt leaves behind a loving wife and two beautiful young kids. Not to mention his own dedicated family and friends. 

Catherine asked me to run this race in Matt's memory and I am very proud and happy to be able to support her in this. The last message Matt sent me on Facebook was that he was enjoying reading a book about running and really enjoying it. 

I was really pleased that both Catherine and Matt were enjoying my fave sport and was looking forward to talking to them about it at my wedding party; sadly this was not to be.

As I do a lot of running and I'm a bit worried no one will sponsor me for doing yet another run, I plan to make the Derby 10 Mile into my ultimate challenge by running in total silence. No talking for the whole day.

This will be a big challenge for me as I am a well-known chatterbox. I will wear a sign so I won't appear rude to the other runners. 

That is how I will pay my respects to Matt, a loving father and wonderful husband, gone way too soon.