Running the Manchester Marathon for Cancer Research UK

Many of you will know how much running has changed my life.

What started as a simple way to improve my health and wellbeing — walking and using the YuLife app to hit daily step targets — slowly turned into something much bigger. Walking became walk-runs, which became runs… and somehow I’ve gone from struggling to run 100 metres to taking on the full 26.2 miles of the Manchester Marathon.

If you know me well, you’ll also know I’m a little competitive. So this isn’t just about finishing — I’ve been following a strict training plan with the goal of completing it in under 4 hours. By the time I reach the start line, I’ll have covered over 500 miles in training — through dark mornings, cold evenings, rain, wind and everything in between. Every mile has been about pushing myself, staying disciplined, and proving that big goals are possible with consistency and determination.

But this marathon means far more to me than just a personal challenge.

The race will take place just one week short of five years since we lost my mum to cancer. Losing her changed our lives forever. Running this marathon in her memory makes the challenge incredibly poignant — and gives every mile even more meaning.

I’m proud to be supporting Cancer Research UK, an incredible charity funding over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses who are working across more than 22 types of cancer. Their work focuses on prevention, earlier diagnosis and better treatments — helping to save lives and bring hope to families like mine.

If you’re able to donate — no matter how big or small — I would be hugely grateful. Every contribution helps fund vital research and brings us one step closer to beating this disease.

Thank you for your support. It truly means the world.