I'm running the Ipswich Half Marathon this September for our amazing friend Ellie, to raise money for Ending Life's Taboo - a charity that provides vital psychological support for under-45s facing life-limiting diagnoses.

I first met Ellie through (my now-wife) Bryony, and not long after she came into my life, Ellie was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis - a life-limiting lung condition that's genetic and usually diagnosed in childhood. When she was placed on a drug trial, she responded really well, and things seemed to be looking up.

But at just 41, her world got turned upside down, again. Ellie was diagnosed with Free Light Chain Myeloma - a rare, incurable form of blood cancer typically found in much older people. Two life-limiting diagnoses before the age of 42.

The NHS has been brilliant - providing Ellie's physical treatment through chemotherapy and protecting her during frequent hospitalisations. But there's no simple prescription for coming to terms with not one, but two incurable diagnoses. That's where Ending Life's Taboo comes in.

Founded by Tracy Davies after losing her own son, this charity provides rapid psychological support that the healthcare system simply can't offer. The counselling Ellie has received, funded by the charity, has made an enormous difference to both her and her family. It gave her space to process her fears honestly and cleared the mental space she needed to focus on living rather than dying.

As Ellie puts it, the counselling has been as valuable as any of the physical treatment she's had.

While excellent medical care and modern medicine keeps Ellie with us today, it's the emotional support that lets her truly live her life. Running this half marathon is a small way to help ensure more under 45s facing similar challenges can access the psychological support they need to live well, for whatever time they have.

And in tribute to Ending Life’s Taboo, I’m also focusing on sub (one hour) 45. So please consider offering a bonus for any minutes below two hours, and give generously!