My motivation for running is for Jai Galliford.

I was very fortunate to be one of Jai’s teachers and even through his diagnosis and treatment he battled hard, he remained positive, he encouraged and motivated not only his close friends but everyone who came into contact with him. He was an inspiration to us all (and still is).

When Jai lost his battle with neuroblastoma on 5 th March 2015 it left such a huge hole in our school community. Each year we remember him by celebrating his legacy and his fight by hosting Jai’s Walk at our school and we have created a memorial garden in his honour. His passion for Geelong (and mine for Adelaide) meant that we had lots of interesting footy conversations! He would love (and be smiling) that I wear the blue and white of Geelong each year in his honour.

So, Jai was my inspiration to start running and challenging myself in order to raise awareness for childhood cancers so that we can provide funds for vital research and to find a cure. I promise to ‘NEVER GIVE UP’ and to keep on running.