I'd love to be one of those people that goes out running just for the fun of it, but I kind of lack motivation. There's only so many times you can hit the streets and not get bored (there are 5,560 songs on my iPod and I'm starting to feel like I know them all off by heart!).

What really appeals to me about the 10k run for Cancer Research UK is the chance to get out of the big smoke and run in picturesque surroundings at Hampton Court Palace. I can't think of a better way to take in the sights. And knowing the money I raise contributes to research that will find out more about cancer and ways to cure it is an amazing feeling.

Cancer is something that affects most people, in one way or another. My gran died of stomach cancer when she was just 67 – I was young and didn't understand how she could be fit as a fiddle one minute and gone a few months later. A couple of years ago I lost my grandad to cancer too, so it's great having the opportunity to do something meaningful in their memory. I also had a friend who got cervical cancer at 23. Thankfully, tests caught it in the early stages and after treatment she made a full recovery - her being given the all clear was such a touching moment and it feels great to think that the money I'm raising is contributing towards someone else having that moment.

A few months ago running for the bus was the extent of my athletic ability but it's amazing how quickly you improve in a short time. I'll be honest – getting fit was the main attraction of the Run 10k, but it's the money I'm raising in sponsorship that's keeping me going and stopping me from the temptation to pack it in when I don't feel like it.

I've now got the motivation to go out running, and the combination of keeping fit and helping others has got me feeling both mentally and physically good about myself.