This year I am taking on the exciting challenge of running the Manchester Marathon in an effort to raise money and awareness for Kidney Research UK.

The work this organisation carries out has lifechanging impact on many lives, including those close to me.

Its those people that are close to me, whom will benefit greatly from the work this amazing charity does.

They will be in my mind every stride of this run, as they are every step I take in my day to day life. The opportunity to raise money that will directly impact their lives cannot be understated.

It's also for those I don't know, people suffering with life long Kidney related conditions, and indeed their family and friends who provide critical emotional support and also bare the impact.

This is why research is important, this is why this charity matters, and this is why, wind rain or shine I have been and will continue to train hard so this charity gets even a small contribution from me, where they have already given my family so much.