I’m raising money for the Pseudo Obstruction Research Trust in memory of my father-in-law, Darren.

Darren lived with severe bowel disease and frequent bowel obstructions for many years. It unfortunately shaped so much of his life, and I saw how much pain he carried with him day after day.

In the short time I knew him, he showed more strength than most people show in a lifetime.

He kept going because he loved his family, and he never let the illness take away who he was.

Last summer, we almost lost him. It was a frightening time for all of us, and we weren’t sure if he would recover. Even then, he held onto one thing - his promise to walk his daughter, my wife, Sasha, down the aisle in September.

That moment mattered to him more than anything, and he fought hard to make it happen.

And he did.

He walked Sasha down the aisle with pride and determination.

Watching him hold her arm and smile through it all is a memory our family will always carry. It showed his strength in a way words will never fully explain.

We lost him recently, and it has left a huge gap in our family. Thinking about everything he faced has made me want to do something that honours him and supports others living with similar conditions.

Running this marathon feels like the right way to do that - and also, he'd tell me that I've put on a few pounds since the wedding. And a few more...(maybe a stone or two)

And why Leeds, you might ask? Well… Manchester and London sold out, I went to uni here, so there's my tenuous link - but, we still hate Leeds scum 🇾🇪

Most importantly, though, every donation will support research and help people and families dealing with intestinal motility disorders.

If it can make life easier for even one person going through what Darren did, then this run will be worth it.

Thank you so much for your support!