My father died in December 2021 after being diagnosed with stage 4 leukaemia. His treatment options were very limited and due to his inability to fight an infection, he passed away 5 weeks after diagnosis.

At the time, I was 19 and my younger sister was only 17. Our Dad was our best friend, and still is, our World.

He was an incredibly brave and wise man, having had a career in the SAS for 30 years, working his way through the ranks to become a Major. He did many incredible things in his life which earned him the title “Danny the Legend”, and, in some cases “Hero”.

He retired from the army before my sister and I were born but we were brought up on war stories and anecdotes from his adventures.

He was greatly admired and loved by many people; over 500 people came to pay their respects at his funeral and were lining the streets as his coffin passed by.

As well as being an incredible soldier, my Dad was also an exceptional runner. He would run whenever he got the chance and completed the London Marathon twice with a time of 3.19. Ever my father's daughter, I share his love for running.

As this will be my very first marathon, I would like to run it in honour of his memory and in support of others who have suffered, or are suffering with leukaemia.