I’m taking on the challenge of completing the London Marathon in a wheelchair - a gruelling 26.2 miles and a dream I’ve had for over 30 years.

After being accepted through the disability ballot, this journey has become even more meaningful. Having served in the Royal Engineers, during which I sustained life-changing injuries, I now rely on a wheelchair - but I’ve never quit a challenge I’ve set my mind to.

The road to the start line hasn’t been easy, with illness, injury and ongoing recovery all part of the journey. But the motivation to push through comes from knowing what this could represent - not just personally, but for others too. If I can do it, hopefully it shows that others can as well.

Choosing to support Isle Listen means a great deal to me. The reality of being in a wheelchair isn’t something you can just brush off. It’s easy to sit and struggle with the hand you’re dealt, but that doesn’t mean things aren’t possible. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not where I want to be, but I take pride in knowing that I'm in a much better place than I was.

Raising awareness around mental health through this challenge is hugely important to me, because if sharing that journey helps even one person realise they can keep going, then it’s worth it. I truly believe it’s all in the execution, and I have every intention of completing this challenge.

I will finish it - no matter what.