My Grandad Tommy Taylor is my hero. It is that simple. He was a Desert Rat in WW2, captured by Rommel in North Africa, a POW surviver in Auschwitz and walked the death march home. His body and mind endured things we can not even imagine. 

As my grandad he was kind, warm, loving and so very proud of all his grandchildren. I think I can say that myself and my cousins have all been taught valuable lessons from his experiences in the Army. My family continue to share his story in his memory, to educate others on the subject, from talks in schools to Women's Institute lectures, to friends and work collegues hundreds of people now know the story of Tommy Taylor.   

I am truly honoured to be able to say he was my grandad and proud to be able to raise money for a charity which was so close to his heart. In his later years he was a poppy seller in Barnsley and was a committed member of the British Legion. He would say he was "A top selling poppy seller" In his day. 

Why I Run: 

While suffering from Anxiety and I read a book called " Spectator In Hell" by Colin Rushton. Where to our families delight and joy my grandad's name was published in the back as a POW in Auschwitz. It was there in print true acknowledgment of his experiences. Seeing this gave me a sense of empowerment, my grandad survived the most horrific place...and I am made of his genes. I would not suffer in silence anymore. So I ran... 

At first I was terrible, over weight and at rock bottom. Then I saw a little progress, with the support, kindness and love from my family and friends I ran more and more. It helped my mind, my body and gave me purpose. Since my first run I have clocked up over 300miles. Each run I think of my grandad he gives me strength to remember what "strong stuff" I am made of. And when the going gets tough and I want to quit I remember exactly what he survived, so I can run another mile more. The British Legion were of great support to my Grandad and are still doing wonderful work with current Ex Soldiers. 

So if I can raise some money for the work that they do and help support them in the memory of my Hero I would be so very thankful. 

My Run will take place 22nd September 2018 to mark 1 year since my first run.