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I was overcome with emotion when I received confirmation of my charity place for the 2025 London Marathon. It was the realisation that I would be part of what has to be the greatest display of motivation and determination I have ever witnessed. A challenge like no other.

Multiple Sclerosis affects both my sister, Amanda, and me. I have been lucky so far in that the disease progression has been slow and I was put on a disease-modifying drug at an early stage. Living with MS affects everyone differently, and the resources offered by the MS Society really helped me to come to terms with my diagnosis. Charities like the MS Society are essential to support everyone through their personal journeys of living with a disease and funding research to help us understand why and how the disease progresses. I have remained as positive as I can and have stayed active. Running is a challenge that I push myself to do, realising that one day I may not be able to.

The London Marathon has been part of my life since my early childhood, with my amazing dad, David, completing 24 since 1986, supported at every step by my devoted mum, Elaine. We know that course well! In recent decades my dad has used this as a forum to promote awareness of MS and raise money for the MS Society at 15 London Marathons.

But now it’s my turn… My dad now has his own health challenges so I felt I should take forward all the amazing work he has done for the MS Society and undertake this challenge myself. For me, this is very personal, and I am so thankful that I am able to participate. This is undoubtedly the biggest challenge I have ever set myself and running the London Marathon for the MS Society, well, the pleasure and the privilege is mine (shameless Morrissey quote, but it’s absolutely spot on).

Who am I doing this for? For my sister, for me, for everyone who has MS. The sponsorship raised will support all of us, whatever our current or future needs. But this is also for my dad, my inspiration, so he will know his legacy will continue through me. I’ll never be able to match his times or the number of races he has run, but I will match his resilience and determination to finish and push myself to be my best. For my mum, who never lets anything get in the way of organising a celebration, hopefully there will be a party for you to arrange afterwards.

A donation to support me realise the bravest decision I think I have ever made will spur me on, will carry me through those seemingly endless miles and make sure I get to the end with a smile on my face. It might not be fast, it certainly won’t be pretty, but knowing you’re supporting me on this most emotional of days will keep my spirits up and get me to the finish.

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