I am running the London Marathon 2024 in memory of my uncle David, who died of bowel cancer, in 2016 at the age of 58. Tragically, David's wife, Lisa died from cancer several years earlier. David never stopped fighting to be here for his beautiful daughter, who was 3 when David was diagnosed and 10 when he passed away.

David endured over 150 chemotherapy sessions, many operations, procedures and clinical trials. Despite this, David never complained and was incredibly cheerful, always seeing the best in people. I am inspired to run the London Marathon in honour of David and other people who have fought and are fighting this disease.

I am by no means a natural runner and was always the last to finish a race at school (when I didn’t manage to get out of running!). I started running using the 'couch to 5K ' app and began this journey on the couch! However, whilst this marathon will be a challenge for me, it is nothing compared to the challenges that David and other bowel cancer sufferers have been forced to confront on a daily basis.

Bowel Cancer UK is the UK's leading bowel cancer charity.

Bowel Cancer UK funds targeted research, provides expert information and support to patients and their families, educates the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.

Bowel Cancer UK is here to stop people dying of bowel cancer.