I am running the London Marathon 2024 to raise money for Spinal Research.

Spinal Research is the UKs leading medical charity focused on the repair and restoration of the spinal cord, to beat paralysis.

In 2019, I sustained an incomplete spinal injury and shattered my L1 vertebrae. I was told I may never walk again, but with hard work and so much help from so many people, five years on, I am now training for this marathon. I feel incredibly lucky and determined.

Someone sustains a spinal cord injury every four hours in the UK, and one case in Australia everyday. I could not get the number for Philippines, but life with SCI in Philippines is likely to be even more difficult. Living with an SCI often means a lifetime of health and care costs, as well as the threat of secondary healthcare complications.

I would obviously rather have raised money for an Australian or Philippines based organisation, but Spinal Research UK, gave me an opportunity to run the London Marathon. And any progress to research helps everyone.

Thank you so much for your support!