You'd think that after emotionally hobbling over the finish line at the British 10k London Run this July I'd have knocked this whole running malarkey on the head but no - not me! This December I'll be running the Santa Run (fully equipped with santa suit!) in London's Victoria Park to raise a bit more money for a charity very close to my heart - Teens Unite.

Some of you will be aware that in 2009, aged just 11, I was diagnosed with a very rare blood disorder called aplastic anaemia and for a long time I endured a long list of treatments including chemotherapy and eventually a bone marrow transplant when I was 13. My condition meant that I had no immune system and therefore was unable to go to school for nearly two years which led to me feeling very isolated - at a recent Teens Unite event I described it as like living in the Big Brother house.

While I was in hospital receiving my bone marrow transplant, I became aware of Teens Unite and immediately sent off an application form and thought no more of it until they invited me to their Christmas party that December! That day I met so many lovely people and heard their inspirational stories and it showed me that I wasn't alone. Since then I've been heaving involved with Teens Unite, been to loads more of their events, fundraised for them and volunteered in their office. 

The work that they do means so much to me and every penny that I run raising the Santa Run means they'll be able to help more young people like myself struggling with the day to day battles of having cancer and other life limiting illnesses. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you, as always, for all of your support!

Elliot x