Running the London Marathon has been a dream of mine since I was a teenager. Growing up in Rotherhithe, every year I would join the many thousands of other people cheering on the runners and dream that one day that would be me.

For the last decade I have attempted to secure a place to allow me to fulfil my lifelong dream and now, thanks to the Firefighters Charity, I have the opportunity to do so while raising money for a cause close to my heart.

The Firefighters Charity provides invaluable mental and physical support to members of the Fire community and, in particular, to those affected by their experiences on the front line.

As a Firefighter in 2006, I attended a major incident at a fireworks factory where, following a large explosion, 2 of my colleagues tragically died and many more, including myself, were injured.

The Charity provided support both mentally and physically to help both those affected and their families come to terms with and recover from the traumatic experience we were exposed to and, in my case, helped me return to work and to continue in my career for a further 15 years, until my retirement.

Please help me as I attempt to achieve both my lifelong dream and also to give back to this wonderful Charity so that they can continue to be there supporting the Fire community in the future.