As many of you know I secured a ballot place for the London Marathon 2 years ago, and now its actually happening! The training is real and the marathon is in 3 weeks! I wanted to be able to use this opportunity to raise the profile of the Farleigh Hospice and to help raise much needed funds that mean they can deliver much needed hospice care for people with life-limiting illnesses.

Our family experience with Farleigh Hospice has been incredible and their support has been invaluable. We have been supported by Farleigh Hospice since 2020 when dad was recovering from cancer of the larynx helping with clinical queries and providing quick access to specialist doctors. Sadly despite the all clear from larynx cancer dad was a year later diagnosed with prostrate cancer which had spread to the bone. So our contact with the team at Farleigh has increased over the last 3 years is now weekly, often daily, with their amazing nursing team, Mary, Bev, Amanda, Margaret and Charlotte helping with the medication and clinical support through to the tearful telephone calls.

We also receive help from the specialist physio Tina and OT Emma, they have all listened and helped even on the difficult days always seeking a solution, and a way to help dad. Dad has also enjoyed the hospice restaurant where the team all make him feel so welcome and comfortable, accommodating extra requests.

They are all incredibly patient, caring and kind, and really have been the lifeline of support to dad, myself and the family. I am so grateful to them all and would love to be able to give back and help in some small way towards the cost of running this amazing service. So if you are able to donate any small amount that would be massively appreciated.

With approximately 40% of their yearly running costs being funded by the local NHS, they rely on the support and goodwill of the local mid Essex community to contribute to the £21,271 it costs to provide their services each day.

And a finally a BIG thank-you to those who have helped me with training, childcare and all round support.

My Bright Selection team telling me 'to get out and run' whatever the weather, my time has been stretched and they have all helped to cover when I have needed to be with dad and hugged when its been tough. This is so very much appreciated, thank-you.

My childcare supporters Helen (and running friend), John, Laura and Dan for looking after Dylan so I could train. CJ at Revive Health for fixing the unfixable ankle, listening and her absolute faith. To all the friendly faces on my training runs, Lorna for the messages and the WC, U10 Jags football team runners for tips and gels, Romesh Ranganathan's 'For the Love of Hip Hop' that has got me round the training runs. My best buddies for constant messages of support and love, hugs and a little massage here and there!

And of course to my family, brothers, sister-in-laws, nephews, nieces, Auntie Ann and Uncle Jack who are just the most amazing support to dad and to me, and my Surrey Mum and Dad, Cindy and Nigel, who are always there, love you.

And to Darren and Dylan. Darren has been a constant support and an absolute believer that I can go from running zero miles to 26.2 miles, thank-you lovely. And to Dylan for bringing the sunshine on the dark days.

And my dad a very 'unique man' as we have been told many times over in the last few months - that's my dad!

Just got to run it now.....