In 2015, my best friend - Imogen - was diagnosed with cancer.

We were 17 years old, doing our final A Level exams and preparing to head to university in just a few short months. 

After going to the doctors for some antibiotics to ease a sore throat, within just a few weeks multiple specialists had concluded that she was facing stage 3 Hodgkin's Lymphoma, forcing her to put off going to university, cancel all plans, and alter the course of her life entirely.

Nobody should have to go through cancer, and to receive the news that a 14cm mass has been discovered in your chest shortly before your 18th birthday is devastating - but luckily, there are people out there to support those like Imogen.

Through six months of chemotherapy, Imogen was treated at the Royal Marsden on the Teenage Cancer Trust ward. We sat and played games (shout out Bananagrams) and listened to the jukebox whilst waiting for her sessions, we screamed together as she pulled out her first clump of hair on her sofa, and the incredible nurses helped her through every difficult step of the journey.  

Thankfully, on Christmas Eve 2015 Imogen completed her final chemotherapy session, and became an ambassador for Teenage Cancer Trust following her remission. I'll forever be thankful for everything the charity did throughout her diagnosis, treatment, and recovery - they provide so much hope and opportunity to young people, and their work has made such a difference in the lives of Imogen and her family.

Every day, seven young people aged 13-24 hear the words "you have cancer", and Teenage Cancer Trust are here to ensure no one has to face it alone.

I'm going to be running the Yorkshire Marathon to raise money for the incredible work Teenage Cancer Trust do for young people facing cancer. From running events to help them regain independence and meet other young people going through similar experiences, to being there as a judgement-free information point, and providing the specialised nurses, youth workers and hospital units in the NHS to support young people every step of the way.