I have been wanting to run the London Marathon for a long time and this year it has come into focus for one reason, my friend Jon.

I have always worried about trying to raise such a large sum of money but whilst sat in a pub talking about music and what the programme for upcoming concerts would look like he was 'go for it, why wouldn't you'

I came late to running and exercise about 5 years ago having never ran anywhere. Running allows me to clear my head and gets me out and about in (nearly) all weathers.

When I was thinking about running for a charity I wanted to make sure it was one that I really cared about. I first met Wessex Cancer Support when it was Warsash Band's chosen charity for a concert following Jon's surgery to treat a cancer.

Jon's diagnosis was one of the biggest shocks for everyone. I have never seen anyone take such news with positivity. He used to say to me 'It is what it is can you can't change it so enjoy everyday I can'. He definitely enacted that. Despite the challenges, the pain and complications he was always joking, caring and looking out for others. His unique laugh and smile rarely slipped.

He admitted that it was because of his family and friends that supported him was gave him energy. He was lucky to have this but not everyone does and sometime people need some extra help. Wessex Cancer Support is essential to be able to live through treatment and beyond. Wessex Cancer Support is a charity which relies on donations to provide free and local support to anyone affected by cancer, away from hospital. Every person receives tailored support that best suits their needs. This ranges from counselling to transport which helps patients travelling from the Isle of Wight and Channel Islands get to their hospital appointments running from centres across the Wessex region.

I would love to be able to honour Jon's memory in April and show everyone how much he meant to me and everyone he knew.