13 years ago, I lost my Mum to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia, a disease she battled for a decade. She died at 59, and not a day goes by without me wishing she could have survived long enough to see her grandkids. Leukaemia meant it wasn't to be.

On September 14th I'll be attempting to run my first marathon in 17 years to raise some money in memory of my Mum and for Leukaemia Care. I'd largely given up on long distance running thanks to injury after injury. However, after finally stopping skipping leg day and putting some proper strength work in, I'm hoping to finish Richmond Runfest Marathon just 3 days after the anniversary of Mum's passing.

While a lot has changed since I last ran a marathon (see the photo of me with my Mum in the build up to my first marathon), the support needed for those impacted by leukaemia and other blood cancers hasn't changed. Leukaemia Care are the UK's leading leukaemia charity, and for over 50 years have been dedicated to ensuring that everyone affected receives the best possible diagnosis, information, advice, treatment and support.

Every donation, no matter the amount, would be massively appreciated.