Next year I’ll be lacing up my running shoes for the Manchester Marathon with one very special person in mind - my grandad. Simply put, he was one of a kind. Whether you met him for the first time, or you knew him your whole life, his aura and presence would light up a room. For 26 long years, he was battling heart failure and sadly past away last year. Although for the majority of my life, he was in and out of hospital; he exuded toughness and strength. Many times, when he was struggling, he’d look at me and say “your mind is your strongest tool”. He taught me the meaning of strength and embodied that until his last day. With that in mind, I’m taking his mantra of “mind over matter” and will attempt 26.2 miles. I know running a marathon will be tough, but I can already hear him saying “it’s all in the mind, you can do it.” Every pound and penny donated will also go to the BHF to continue to support and provide essential treatments and care.

To the strongest person I’ve ever known - this one is for you x