I am running the Royal Parks Half Marathon on Oct 11th in memory of my wonderful dad and to raise money for Cancer Research UK, a cause that is incredibly personal and close to my heart.

My dad was diagnosed with cancer while I was in my teenage years and although he fought the disease with everything he had to give, he sadly lost the battle.

He was a true cornerstone of my life and of our family and we carry him with us in everything we do. I hope that taking on this half marathon in his memory would make him proud - and perhaps even laugh at the thought of me running all those kilometres considering I wanted to be carried everywhere!

Sadly, our family is far from alone. More than 403,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the UK each year - around 1,100 people every day. Yet research is making a real difference: cancer survival in the UK has doubled since the early 1970s, and half of those diagnosed in 2018 are expected to survive for at least 10 years.

Running 21km will be a challenge, but every step will be for my Dad and for every person whose life has been touched by cancer.

Any support you can give, no matter the amount, would genuinely mean the world to me. Together, we can help fund research that gives more families more time with the people they love!

And lastly, thank you to all the wonderful friends that have supported and ran with me to get here!