On 28th October I am attempting to run the Dublin Marathon. In March this was a distance that seemed ridiculous, as the furthest I had ever run was 5km.

I am running in memory of my amazing friend Val. Who ran the 2012 Brighton Marathon only 11 months before her life was cruelly cut short by cancer. Val was courageous, an inspiration to so many all through her life, even in her final days she was thinking of others and set her friends a challenge that would help them through the tough times that were to follow.

Running a marathon was a significant achievement in her life and I hope it will be in mine too.

Val's inspiration continues and I will never forget my friend.