This year I will be running the London Marathon for the second year running. Once again, I am running to raise funds for the YHA, a wonderfully committed and hard working team, to support their fantastic 'Breaks for Kids' initiative. My motivation is encouraged by the fact that between myself and two friends we collectively raised more than £3000 last year and I would like to do all I can to offer my support again. The inspiration to run again is solely down to one person, Aelita Gontar, whom completed the event in 2014 under extremely bittersweet circumstances

Aelita was the fiancee of our dear friend, Andrew Baker. In July 2013 Andrew unexpectedly collapsed whist doing a training run for the 2014 London Marathon. Shortly afterwards, Andrew tragically passed away due to cardiac complications. After deciding to move back to her original home in Canada, Aelita returned and ran the marathon in Andrew’s place. There no words that I can offer that can better describe Andrew's wonderful character and the great work of the YHA than Aelita's. Below are some of Aelita’s words leading up to the 2014 event:

"Last year we lost an incredible husband-to-be, son, brother, nephew, best friend and a colleague. He touched so many lives and brought many people together. He is now shining down on us from the night sky. I have never ran a marathon nor have I had the desire to. It was Andrew's dream not mine. But my heart breaks to know that his dream will never come true unless I run it for him. I was offered to take his spot and I couldn't say no. In fact, I got emotionally excited. I know that he will be with me every step of the way (telling me to go faster!) I will be running for YHA Breaks for Kids because that was the charity Andrew chose and I would like to raise money in his memory. It's a fantastic cause and I'm very proud to be part of their team. Breaks for Kids is a charitable fund that YHA operates to help children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds take part in a school or community group break away giving them life-enhancing experiences through adventurous educational stays. It offers education outside of the classroom and promotes personal and team/social development and environmental awareness through exciting activities and challenges. Every child should have the chance to enjoy some time away – to make friends, to grow in confidence, to increase self- awareness and to feel engaged and involved."

Last year I had the opportunity to attempt to make a difference and complete the Marathon that Andrew never got to do. Now, with that exhilarating recollection, Aelita's incredible inspiration and carrying loving memories of Andrew in my heart, I am proud to say I'am going again and I am determined to run faster in honour of all those mentioned! 

This is Andrew’s run’: For the YHA. Inspired by Aelita. In memory of Andrew.