I’m running the marathon for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust - an amazing charity that has touched my life in many ways.

I first raised funds for CF Trust as a teenager, on behalf of a friend with the debilitating condition. CF is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects more than 11,000 people in the UK. One in 25 of us carries the faulty gene that causes it, usually without knowing.

Since then, thanks to the CF Trust many lives have been changed for the better.

As Health Secretary I was so proud to work with CF Trust, and the amazing Carlie Pleasant, to bring new medicines like Orkambi to the UK - which has helped so many.

But Cystic Fibrosis is still a terrible condition, and some of those close to me have suffered family tragedies, despite the best medicine available now.

So I’m running the marathon for them, and in their memory, to help improve lives for the future.

My training has been plagued by injury, and I wasn’t sure I could even make the start line. I won’t get a good time but I’m determined to get round. What I need to run a marathon is nothing compared to the determination anyone with Cystic Fibrosis needs to get through the day.

Please give generously - and thank you.