In April 2026, I'll get to make a lifelong dream come true – by running the London Marathon. I'll be raising money for other people who live with multiple sclerosis.

When I got my own diagnosis, in late 2017, the dream seemed further away than ever. It also explained a lot of things: why I'd been slowing down despite exercising more; why my co-ordination and memory were becoming temperamental; why I kept tripping over that same tree root on my morning jog. I wasn't sure running would be part of my life anymore.

But following two rounds of intense treatment, known as Lemtrada, I managed to build the distances back up – from 5K to 10K to 15K, and then (for the first time in my life) half marathons. Now comes the big one.

I sometimes wonder if I'm running away from my MS. But, no – I'm running with it. I'm running because of it. And now I'm proud to be running for it, on behalf of MS-UK.

They're a national charity dedicated to empowering people affected by multiple sclerosis to live happier and healthier lives. They work to improve the understanding of MS and provide support where it is needed most.

Their services include a helpline, providing information and emotional support, online activities, information booklets and a bi-monthly magazine, New Pathways.

Every donation makes a huge difference, so thank you so much for your support.