I'm so proud to the running the London Marathon for the magnificent Brilliant Club. The Brilliant Club works with schools and Universities across the UK to support students who are less advantaged to access the most competitive universities and succeed when they get there.

This is my first marathon, and I'm so excited to run it in my home town. I returned home (after 18 years in Durham - still a second home to me) in 2018 to join the University of London and to be with my  family.  

I marked my departure from the North East by running the Great North Run for Cancer Research, and I'm marking my return home by running London this year (I was originally due to run in April 2020). 

Both cities are the homes of phenomenal universities, and I'm very proud to continue to play a role in their important work, especially all that they do to help those from less advantaged backgrounds to access life-changing educational opportunities. Having those educational opportunities changed my life. Running for the Brilliant Club means a great deal to me - the work they do makes such a difference to so many young people and their future.  Please do consider making a donation. And cheer me on to my goal on 2 October. I can't wait!