Uncle Nigel played a big part in our lives. The picture above is of my Dad, me, and Nigel on a narrowboat cruising up and down the Grand Union Canal, circa late 80s. You can tell from the photograph!!

But there are other fond childhood memories of him re-wiring the house with Dad, painting all the external walls (yes, he even helped erect the scaffolding), watching him make a wooden plinth for my model Ferrari, and watching him unpack a video recorder (that was the size of a small family car) from when he served in Northern Ireland with the REME.

It is these memories which make a person who they are; so selfless, caring and definitely someone to look up to.

We were devastated when Nigel passed away because he fought an incredible battle over many years. We are pretty sure that his relaxed demeanour helped keep him going.

As I write this on a cold and wet Saturday morning with the prospect of running 18 miles, because that's todays excitement from the Marathon plan I've been given from the coach (thank you Emma - you've been so supportive) in our running club. Just like Nigel, I want to keep going.

There's only 8 weeks to go and I hear my wife, Catherine, saying thank goodness because we never see you; you are always out running. You've been so supportive and I love you so much. I don't think the kids, Ella and William, have noticed when I am out because they're too busy either playing football, horse riding, or on the Xbox! I love you both all the same.

Let us not forget Gill who was by Nigel's side for so many years. Sending you lots of love.

Lastly, sending lots of love to Nigel's wonderful sister, Anne, also a wonderful Mum to my sister, Nicky, and brother Simon. Hopefully, I shall see you all there on the day.

Please please give as generously as you can. Sometimes it's hard to keep going - the mental and physical challenges just get in the way but above all, I want to make Nigel and my family proud, for all that Nigel was to us. He's telling me to keep going and I want to just for him.