As most of you know, my father in law, Keith Richards passed away unexpectedly last November after having a rare form of Leukaemia that we were advised was treatable.

Keith passing away has left a massive hole in our family’s hearts. My son, Chester doted on his Bampa Chirpy and misses him everyday. I’m actually crying writing this.

Keith was robbed of his life, his retirement that he worked so hard for, time with his wife of 50 years, Linda, time with his children and seeing his grandchildren grow up.

Keith's legacy is one of love, compassion, and service. He taught us to always enjoy life and to be there for others. His willingness to help anyone in need, regardless of the circumstances, was truly inspiring. If Keith were here today, I believe he'd want us to remember how much he cared for his family and how he was always ready to lend a hand to. Keith was always that person where you could always ask for help – and he would be willing to drop anything to lend a hand. He was a rock of stability in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives and a source of strength for our whole family.

So running Cardiff Half Marathon this year means so much more than just achieving a PB. I will be running it for my father in law who should still be here and to raise as much money and awareness as possible for the Cure Leukaemia charity.

Cure Leukaemia helps blood cancer patients to access pioneering drug and transplant treatments by funding a network of specialist research nurses across the UK. Without these nurses, to ensure patients are monitored and cared for, clinical trials of these new treatments would not run and patients, that have exhausted standard treatment options, would miss out on potentially lifesaving therapies. Every penny raised for Cure Leukaemia helps save lives and also hastens global progress towards the eradication of all forms of blood cancer.