On 27 April I'll be running the Manchester marathon for Sam Ashcroft and to raise money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

I met Sam in Reception, and ever since he has been at the core of my life. Sam was clever and funny, a golden boy, always kind, and he added enormities to the world. He was a supremely talented athlete, a runner and a swimmer, and I always associate running with an image of him floating along, inhaler in hand. Sometimes we'd run together, and Sam would kindly hold back, pretending it was just as much effort for him as it was for me. I'll have that image with me on marathon day.

Sam died suddenly as a result of an undiagnosed cardiac condition in December 2023. He is missed terribly by everyone who knew him, including his unparalleled family and amazing friends We are running to raise money for CRY, who do heart screenings, raise awareness of cardiac conditions, and do great work to support families.