Sixteen years ago, I lost my son Ryan, aged 16, to MenB meningitis.

Since then, a Life for a Cure has been dedicated to one simple goal: helping to prevent other families from experiencing the heartbreak that we did. The charity is no longer something I do. It has become part of who I am. It sits alongside my memories of Ryan and helps ensure his legacy continues to make a difference.

On 4th October, I'll be taking on the Cardiff Half Marathon

Since losing Ryan, running has become so much more than exercise for me. It's my release, my thinking time, my therapy. As anyone who knows me will tell you, I regularly say, probably far too often, "You never regret a run!"

Some runs are filled with laughter and conversation, especially those early Wednesday morning miles with my wonderful friend Jeanne. Others are filled with tears, memories and reflection. Whatever the emotions, I always finish feeling stronger than when I started.

That doesn't mean it's always easy. Finding the motivation, the time and the energy can sometimes feel impossible. In fact, during my final long training run before Cardiff, I found every excuse not to start my Strava run! It was raining, I was tired, my phone battery was low, I had a never-ending to-do list and plenty of reasons to put it off.

But then I stopped, took a breath, and reminded myself why I was running.

As I sat in a coffee shop recharging both myself and my phone, I received messages from people who had seen the recent ITV coverage about the free MenB vaccine for students. It was a reminder of how far we've come and what can be achieved when people come together to drive change.

In that moment, my excuses disappeared and my purpose returned.

I felt grateful for the friends and family who continue to support me every step of the way, especially my daughter Charlotte. I felt grateful that, sixteen years on, people are still standing alongside us in support of a Life for a Cure. Most of all, I felt grateful to have the health and ability to run 13.1 miles.

That renewed sense of purpose carried me through to a personal best time of 2 hours and 7 minutes. Not record-breaking, but a result I was incredibly proud of.

While awareness of meningitis has increased, particularly following the devastating outbreak in Kent earlier this year, there is still more work to do. New parents need information. Young adults remain at risk. Awareness saves lives, and continuing these conversations matters.

This year, I'll be running alongside my incredible friend Jen Woolfson, who has encouraged and supported me from the very beginning. Jen has played a huge role in so many fundraising events over the years, nominated me to carry the Paralympic Torch, and was one of the driving forces behind my London Marathon journey in 2022, which became one of the most memorable days of my life.

I couldn't ask for a better friend to share this challenge with.

If you're able to support us, whether through a donation, sharing this page, or simply cheering us on, we would be hugely grateful. 'a Life for a Cure' is operated on a voluntary basis so every contribution helps us continue raising awareness of meningitis, supporting vital initiatives, and honouring Ryan's legacy.

I wish beyond words that Ryan was here to write his own chapter. But until that impossible wish can be granted, I will continue to carry it forward with honesty, love and hope. Hope that awareness leads to action and that lives can be saved.

Because if even one family is spared the devastation we experienced, then Ryan's life continues to change the world.

Huge huge thanks for being part of his next chapter.