Grandad passed away in December 2023. He didn't want a funeral, as he didn't want a big fuss and money spent on him once he was gone. He'd rather money be spent on making the world a better place.

I'm running the Chester Marathon to raise money for the hospital that looked after Grandad, not just in his final few weeks, but who ensured he had a quality of life in the years he was battling prostate cancer.

Although he would moan about leaving the house or having to socialise, once he was out you couldn't get him to stop chatting. If you were ever graced with his presence, he would love to sing or tell you stories about aliens. Even when he was going through so much, he still made sure you were smiling.

The UHB network ensured that we still got our Grandad and his fabulous personality to the very end.

Not only Grandad, but if it wasn't for UHB Nan wouldn't be here today. The twisted bowel operation they performed on her saved her life, meaning she still gets to be Queen Jean of the family.

Hopefully I can raise some money to say thank you for everything UHB have done, and will continue to do in the future.

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit University Hospital Birmingham Charities, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about University Hospital Birmingham Charities: Supporting patients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham by funding those things that are over and above what the NHS can provide. We fund cutting edge medical equipment, facilities you wouldn't normally see in an NHS hospital, medical research, and just making your stay in hospital that little bit better. We also support the UK's military patients, who are treated here at the hospital through the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine.