On September 22nd 1917 Leslie George Rub, an Australian soldier, died after being attacked on the road between Broodseinde Ridge and Westhoek Ridge. He was a carpenter in the second pioneers and served during World War One in France and Belgium. 100 years later he is best known for his poem "Christmas Day on the Somme", and that is how I came to find him.

I first visited Leslie's grave in Belgium in August 1914 and since then I have attended The Huts Cemetery to honour his memory several more times. I feel humbled that the amazing deeds and sacrifice he performed are still making an impact 100 years later. I want to make sure Leslie is not forgotten and that his legacy lives on. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of his death later this month I am raising money for the appropriately titled charity - Legacy Australia. From their website...

Legacy is a voluntary organisation providing services to around 70,000 families of veterans who have died or given their health. Today Legacy's caring and compassionate service assists over 65,000 widow(er)s and 1,800 children and dependants with a disability.

Legacy also have a branch in the UK and I have heard first hand about the wonderful work they do.

On September 22nd 2017 I will be taking part in the Disneyland Paris 5K race. Those of you who know me well will know that I don't have the classic runner's physique and previously jogging was reserved for late buses and dinosaur attacks, but I feel as though Leslie is right behind me puffing wind in my sails and with his help I am confident I can do this.

I can't think of a better way to honour the gift that Leslie George Rub gave the world than to give something back to the Australian men and women of today that are continuing with his legacy.

I hope you agree.