This year I am going to run the New York Marathon.

I consider myself lucky to have the privilege of everyday being able to pursue something that I love, something that I think is a very worthwhile pursuit. To me, that something is working toward finding a cure for spinal cord injury through my work at the Centre for Brain Research. Even in my short time here I’ve had the chance to meet not just amazing scientists who are world leaders in their fields, but to interact with the charities that support our work and who strive with us toward our common goal.

The CatWalk Trust is an amazing organisation that is driven to cure spinal cord injury and I was immediately taken by just how proactive and motivated their supporters were. Every year they manage a massive fundraising effort that culminates in the running of the New York City Marathon.

That is why this year, in November, I am going to be a part of the biggest ever team that CatWalk have put together.

I am not naturally a runner but if science has taught me anything it’s how to learn. 42.2km definitely feels like a struggle now but it has nothing on what spinal cord injury sufferers deal with on a constant basis so the fact that it is tough is not an excuse I can use to avoid doing it.

Any money you kindly donate goes directly to the charity so don’t feel like you’re in some part helping me pay my way to America – every cent is benefiting The CatWalk Trust alone.

I am running because I believe I can contribute to the cure. I can meet the people that my research helps, and who in turn help my research become a reality. I am running because together, we’ll get there sooner.