“I put my name in the ballot for London as a bit of a joke with myself, not expecting to be successful – the odds are something like 40:1 against. In fact, I was so convinced I would not get a place I entered the Manchester Marathon as well which was scheduled 7 days after London… and yes I ran both of them!

“Shortly after I got my London place things got much more serious as my sister-in-law became terminally ill and spent her final weeks in the wonderful care of St Michaels. I dedicated my run to her and opened a fundraising page for St Michaels, the support and encouragement you provided was fantastic. It really helped knowing there were other runners supporting St Michaels, and it was great to meet you and them in person ahead of the race.

“The event itself was very emotional, especially seeing my wife and her family cheering me at mile 18, but also because of the incredible support of the crowds all along the route. I had printed St Michaels and my name on the front of my shirt and must have heard it shouted with encouragement hundreds of times that day. Every time I heard my name I gave a fist pump in thanks and it reminded me who I was running for.”