My name is Simon Radcliffe, Head of the studio here at Holla Creative and now, London Marathon competitor. My mission is to train for the London Marathon in just 100 days with a tailored 14 week training program, AND come in with a decent time, all to raise money for the MS Society.

So partly to raise awareness of my mission, and partly to show off our new video-production arm here at Holla, I’m making a short documentary to tell my story. This video is the first in a series of teasers that will be released throughout the 100 days, chronicling my progress. Once the marathon is completed we will collect the footage and produce a longer form final documentary telling the whole story!

There is also my personal story as to why I’m running, I am raising money for the MS Society – who we paid a visit to at their HQ in Cricklewood, London as part of this film.

My Gran was diagnosed with Primary Progressive MS shortly after taking early retirement with my Grandad, and her soulmate, Bryan. Before Gran’s diagnosis, they were living a very active lifestyle as keen ramblers, dancers, gardeners, cinema goers and belonged to many clubs. Gradually over the years, my Gran became more and more reliant on her wheelchair, but this didn’t stop them and most winters were spent in Spain and Portugal in their beloved motor home, or even trips further afield to New Zealand, China and Canada. My Gran has particularly fond memories of saying ‘there is an upside to not being able to walk’ when two hunky Canadian chaps carried her from the helicopter onto a glacier.

In 2016 and what would be their last trip to Spain together she finally lost her ability to bear her own weight, and her MS went quite rapidly downhill, resulting in a sustained period in hospital. Thankfully Gran was well enough to leave the hospital and they were soon out and about in their converted van, visiting friends, going to the local MS group and of course the cinema.

Sadly in Feb this year (and on my birthday), my Grandad passed away suddenly. He was Gran’s beloved soulmate and primary carer for 63 years. He cared for her 24/7 with no complaints. No one could have asked for more from their partner – so it was at this point I decided to give something back to a charity who has done so much for this fabulous couple and so applied to represent them in this years London Marathon.

So thank you for allowing me to share my story. You can follow my progress on my facebook page which has regular updates on my training, upcoming fundraising events and teaser videos from the documentary.

Check it all out here: facebook.com/100Daystorunamarathon

If you would like to donate to my fundraising page please visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SimonRadcliffe1