**READ THE WHOLE AMAZING STORY ON MY BLOG - runningwithdiane.blogspot.co.uk

Well, I only went and did it this time! It might have taken me 5hrs and 26 minutes to complete my first 26.2-miler - the fabulous Liverpool Rock N Roll Marathon round some of the streets where I grew up as a teenager - but I crossed that finish line head held high and wearing a smile as wide as the Mersey. All inspired by my beautiful, brave wife Diane, who died of breast cancer last year. I have done this for you, Diane, and all the memories you gave me and continue to give me. Together forever. You and me. Inseparable. Invincible.

I'm raising money and awareness for the charity Breast Cancer Care, and the incredible work its staff and supporters do for families going through the same day-to-day hell that we did.
In January 2013, I weighed 24 stones and was suffering serious health problems. But Diane made me promise I would sort myself out.
I joined a gym and have lost 9 stone so I can run and raise cash for this incredible charity and to honour the bravery of my darling wife. She always runs with me, every step of the way. We did everything together for over 20 years. Why should now be any different?
I only started running last August, but since then around 30,000 more women have discovered they have breast cancer. They – like the already 500,000-plus families in the UK living their everyday lives under the cloud of this terrible disease - endured that moment, that single moment when it is confirmed, when your worst fears are realised and your hopes are dashed. The moment which changes your life forever.
The moment you uncross your fingers, and stop believing in miracles.
Breast Cancer Care are there for all these families right where it matters, helping to rebuild lives shattered by this one moment. Miracles still do happen, and gradually you restore the belief that one of them could happen to you. For some it will, for others – like Diane – sadly not.
I run with Diane for all of them, whether a miracle is on their way or not.
Please follow and join the Running With Diane community, an online family for anyone who has been affected by cancer or knows anyone who has and who needs to feel they aren't alone.
Join in even if you don't know anyone affected by cancer - what's important is that the Running With Diane family becomes as big as possible. As a group, we can make a massive difference to people's awareness of what the Breast Cancer Care charity does and raise loads of dosh under the umbrella of Running With Diane.
The more voices we have, the louder we'll be heard - and then you can be part of a massive change in people's attitudes.
Visit my blog at runningwithdiane.blogspot.co.uk
Go "Tweet, tweet" at @runwithdiane
Keep in touch on our Facebook page - Running With Diane
Thanks.