Everyone knows how much I love dogs and hate running. I wanted to set myself a challenge to run the London Marathon. It was supposed to be last year but due to injury I had to defer my place. 

I wanted to support Dogs for Deaf People as the work they do is amazing. My great nephew Reggie was born severely deaf, and one day he may need an assistance dog. 

if i can help others whilst completing a personal challenge then it will make the whole experience even more worthwhile.

The London Marathon has become an annual, inspiring and colourful fixture in the world’s sporting calendar since the inaugural race on 29 March 1981: a celebration of fun, fundraising and fancy dress.

Over the years more than a million people have completed the 26.2-mile course – which runs from Blackheath to The Mall, with a spectacular finish in front of Buckingham Palace, showcasing the very best that the capital city has to offer.

What’s more, these participants have raised over a billion pounds for charity and there have been countless amazing tales of human achievement throughout the event’s history – living up to its aim of helping participants ‘to have fun, and provide some happiness and sense of achievement in a troubled world’.