On Sunday 19th April I will be running in my first marathon in Manchester. I thought what better occasion to raise some money for 2 charities that are very close to me and my family.

Firstly, Stroke Association. Back in October 2017 whilst on holiday in Mallorca, my Grandma May suffered a stroke. She was hospitalised for 10 days in Mallorca before being flown back to the UK, where she remained in hospital for 2 months. Through lots of physio therapy, she was able to regain some of her physical function in one of her arms, could walk slowly for short periods whilst assisted, and is able to talk albeit a tad quieter and slower than before. Despite these physical challenges she remains sharp as tack mentally, keeping us all on our toes and always making me laugh. All of this has been very difficult for my Grandma and my family managing everything that comes with it, and Stroke Association act as a great help for both stroke survivors and their families.

Secondly, Cancer Research UK. Both my Grandpa David and Grandad Barry have each had multiple separate battles with cancer respectively. Grandpa David has suffered from Bladder Cancer and Skin Cancer. Grandad Barry has suffered from Testicular Cancer and Skin Cancer. Both of them have been given tough diagnoses; Grandpa David had to have his Bladder removed back in November 2012; and Grandad Barry was told with his Skin Cancer that he would only have 12 months to live; he was given an experimental immunotherapy that worked brilliantly and that was coming up on 10 years ago. Both of them still here today in part due to the amazing work of Cancer Research UK.

I consider myself very lucky to still have all 4 of my grandparents with me at the age of 27, especially considering all they have been through. They are all constant sources of inspiration for me, being shining lights in how to act as a person and how to treat others around me.

Running has become a massive part of my life, both as a hobby and as a great support for my physical and mental health. I hope to complete many more marathons in the years ahead, and take many lessons from the whole experience whilst raising some money for a couple of great causes on 19th April.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and if you decide you'd like to donate a massive thank you as well. I hope that the money raised here can be just a small part of the amazing work to be done by Stroke Association and Cancer Research UK.