I'm running the London Marathon in memory of my very wonderful friend Matina who died of blood cancer last year.

Matina first had lymphoma in 2011. During her final cycle of chemo in 2012, whilst watching the London Marathon from her hospital bed, she decided to run the 2013 London Marathon. Wow! She did it and was bitten by the running bug and inspired me to run too. We plodded round a fair few 10km races together over the years.

Matina had planned to run the London Marathon in 2023, 10 years on. Before she died we agreed that if she couldn't do it then I'd have to bloody do it instead! So here we are, my first marathon and I can't wait to raise loads of funds for Blood Cancer UK. Thank you!

Blood Cancer UK is a community dedicated to beating blood cancer. We do this by funding research and supporting those affected. Since 1960, we've invested over £500 million in blood cancer research, transforming treatments and saving lives. Right now, our community is funding 360 researchers and staff across the UK who are searching for the next breakthrough. The day we will beat blood cancer is now in sight and the researchers are determined to finish the job.