The 5th of March 2018 was a day that changed my life forever. It was on this date that I was awoken to the earth shattering news that my dad, Keith Rumbold, had at the age of 52 died instantly from a massive heart attack while he was away on a weeks business trip to Nigeria.  It is a day our family will never forget. Not only had my mum lost her soulmate, my brother, sister and I lost our dad and my young children lost their precious grandad.

My dad was an inspirational man. Everything he did, he did to the fullest. He joined the Army at 16 and worked his way up the ranks to Captain, deploying on numerous tours throughout his long military career. His personal achievements were just as amazing. From running marathons on Mount Kilimanjaro, Mt Kenya & Mt Everest to running 100km across the Falklands, raising thousands of pounds for charity in the process there was no stopping him when he put his mind to something. His efforts were noticed when he received an MBE from the Queen; a very proud day for our whole family. Being the humble man he was, these achievements were rarely talked about though as in my dads eyes his greatest achievement by far was his family of which he was extremely proud of. I will never forget the look on his face the day each of his grandchildren were born, pure pride and joy. 

Running is something which my dad and I had bonded over the last couple of years. I could never compare myself to his success with the sport but he was always there to offer advice, support and encouragement along the way, and he had a way to make me believe I could achieve anything as long as I put the work in. I took up the hobby in an effort to get fit and healthy but I gained so much more than that. It did wonders for my mental health and gave me a sense of self accomplishment at a time I really needed it. These last few months without my dad has given me the drive to push myself even further. Running is my escape from reality when times get hard and I always think of my dad and like to think that he is running beside me. 

When the London Marathon ballot came up I decided to go for it. My dad had ran 2 London Marathons himself and I had talked to him about my desire to one day do it myself... I never thought it would be quite this soon though! Finding out the news I was accepted into a charity place on behalf of the Royal British Legion I was extremely honoured as it is a charity very close to my family's heart, not only because of our Military connections but also because of the incredible support they provided us during our time of need.

With your generous donations and support I hope I can raise the needed funds for this amazing charity and make my dad proud. My goal is to have a framed picture of myself having completed the marathon next to my dads framed marathon picture. Now its time to get training ...!!