I never thought I would ever run the marathon, just the sheer thought of it used to churn my stomach and make me whince. But after going along last year to suppport TeamReid (Dave Reid is on the right, in my photo) and all the other competitors, I definately became inspired to run it myself.

The only drawback was my foot injury I sustained in a 10 mile event earlier in that year. Since then I have been doing everything in my power to get back out on the road, to put in the miles and do the training. Although my foot still isn't 100%, along with some physio, I have learnt how to manage it and get by.

Up until now I have still been hesitant to fully commit but I have now realised, after last weeks treturous 18 mile training session that I am going to do it, come hell or high water and make a difference to someone or some family who needs the help and support.

I was lucky enough to gain entry into this years Virgin London marathon through a ballot entry but even so I still want to help raise some money for two charities, Scope and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The first, Scope, is particularly close to my heart as my nephew Louis suffers from cerebral palsy and watching him grow up over the last eight years with this condition has been hard to say the least, but he is a fighter and continues to surprise us each and every year as he to learns how to survive and live with this condition. His parents are a great inspiration to me with the effort they put in daily to make his life much better.

The second GOSH I have helped raised money for before and would love to help again with this event because such a small hospital make s such a big difference to so many children and familes UK and world-wide.

Your donations to these charities will make a great difference!