Last year I lost my brother, John - a loving and loved brother, husband, father, son, uncle, educator, musician, Godparent, and friend.

John was a keen runner and involved in a club at his church in Stafford and has completed the London Marathon and other races in towns and cities across the country. John passed away in August 2022 after a long period of illness after being diagnosed with cancer.

We are taking on the challenge of the Marathon March in his memory. We are not runners but want to join John in completing a Marathon and there is nowhere better to do that than in South London where he spent his formative years - at school, work, rest, play and, of course, on the Holmesdale Road terrace at Selhurst Park to cheer on the Palace.

The Marathon will be completed by Team Thomson - me, his best friend/best man and my school friend Ian, Ian's sons Matthew and Joe (John was their Godparent - their 'Modfather'), and Sue a Marathon March veteran and season ticket holder, who is a friend of Ian

We want to raise money for the Palace for Life Foundation because as Palace fans want to help to improve the lives of young people in south London. John was involved in music education in schools throughout his career and working with children and young people was central to his life and work. I am taking on the challenge of the Marathon March to raise money for Palace for Life Foundation because I want to help to improve the lives of young people in south London.

Growing up in south London has never been tougher but Palace for Life are in a unique position to drive positive change. They use the power of sport to change the lives of young people within our community, particularly the most hard-to-reach and hard-to-help. They work in schools and the community, with extra focus on those not in education, training or employment, those caught up in the criminal justice system and those with disabilities, physical and mental health challenges.

South London is a diverse community with hundreds of thousands of talented young people who, given the right opportunities, will contribute so much to the future of our city. Your donations will directly support their work and make a real impact, for real people.