In April 2027, I will be taking on the London Marathon to raise money for LOROS Hospice, a challenge that means a great deal to me personally. In the nine months leading up to the marathon, I will also be completing a number of running events and fundraising challenges to support this incredible charity and help raise as much money as possible.

I have chosen to run for LOROS as it is a local Leicestershire charity that holds a very special place in my heart. Within just 17 months, I lost both my grandad and my mum to lung cancer. During their final weeks, they were cared for by LOROS and nurses, whose compassion, dignity and support meant so much to our family during such a difficult time.

While caring for my grandad, my nanna also received support from LOROS. The kindness and understanding shown to her, and to all of us as a family, is something we will never forget.

Eighteen months later, my nanna also passed away from a terminal illness. At the time, I was living with her and helping to care for her. As her condition deteriorated, I saw first-hand how challenging and emotional those final months can be. It reinforced just how vital hospices and charities like LOROS are, not only in caring for people at the end of their lives with compassion and dignity, but also in supporting the families alongside them through some of the hardest times of their lives.

In the years since losing my mum, grandad and nanna, running has become an important way for me to cope with grief. It gives me time to reflect, process difficult emotions and remember those I've lost. What started as a way of looking after my own wellbeing has become a source of purpose and resilience, which is why taking on the London Marathon feels so meaningful.

I am also a cancer survivor, having been diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2018 at the age of 28. I understand first-hand how overwhelming a diagnosis can be and how vital compassionate care and support are, not just for the individual, but for their loved ones too.

Running this marathon is my way of giving back and helping LOROS continue to support families like mine. LOROS cares for more than 2,500 patients and their families every year and needs to raise over £9 million every year to continue providing its vital services.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help ensure that other families receive the same compassion, dignity and support that meant so much to mine during our most difficult times.