In April 2027, I’ll be taking on the London Marathon — 26.2 miles through the streets of London — and I’m running it for someone very special to me, my dad, Jonny Mitchell.

On the 10th of September 2005, Dad was playing rugby for North Berwick against Hawick Linden when a scrum collapsed, causing the injury that left him paralysed. Dad was captain of North Berwick Rugby Club and sport was a huge part of his life. He always wanted me to do well in whatever sport I was doing, so I know he’d be proud of me doing this.

Years later, Dad sadly passed away. Since then, my family have seen first-hand just how much a spinal injury can change someone’s life, and how important the right support can be. Spinal injury charities supported Dad and our family through some incredibly difficult times, so I’d love to raise as much as I can to help these charities continue supporting other people and families going through something similar.

Dad was just 23 when his life changed, and I’ll be 23 when I run the marathon. I think it’s really special that I’ll be the same age he was when everything changed for him.

I know there are going to be some very tough miles, but having Dad as my reason for doing it will keep me going.

Any donations would mean so much to me ❤️

Thank you x