So many work colleagues, friends and close family have been affected by blood cancer in recent years and this year, in particular.

The Anthony Nolan Trust is a charity that has been particularly crucial for a friend at work and his family in supporting their battle with leukaemia.

I have never run more than 5 km before, and this distance is going to be an enormous challenge for me - and my long-suffering sister who has agreed to run with me (thanks Jen :)).

My employer, HR Wallingford, will match fund every pound I raise, and gift aid will boost the total - so any donation, however small, will be far more valuable than it appears ..

Thank you !