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Amber Henry will be realising a long-held ambition of both her and her dad when she undertakes the Virtual London Marathon this weekend on the roads of Gravesend .
Amber's dad Kevin had always been a keen runner and even after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in his mid 40s had remained hopeful of one day completing the London Marathon.
Sadly, he passed away seven months after his diagnosis when Amber was just five years old, but more than 20 years later she hopes to make him proud by completing the 26.2mile course.
"He always said he would run the London Marathon when he got better," said Amber, 28, of Hillingdon Road. "Unfortunately he didn't get better and so in his honour I decided to run it.
"I've done a few big runs before and done a half marathon. I wanted to do the marathon too but there was no urgency.
"A close friend’s dad was diagnosed with cancer and so many people I know have been affected by the disease, I thought I should do it for a good cause.
"For the past few years I've tried to get in the ballot but this year I approached the charity directly - you have to explain why you would like to do it, and fortunately I got a place.
"I'm running for Lymphoma Action and they've got 45 runners which is great."
Like many runners Amber was nearing the end of her training scheme when the London Marathon was cancelled in March, and then picked up training again when the new date in October was announced.
"Then they said it would be happening virtually", said Amber, who works as a project manager for art exhibitions. "It was a decision whether I wanted to take part but I had already raised money and everyone had donated, so I thought why not do it.
"I've got a route that goes all the way around Gravesend and Shorne and then down to Ebbsfleet. I've got it all planned and I hope people will come and cheer me on.
"I have moments of being very confident because I have faith in the training I've done, but if I have to walk it's fine. Next year will be the real deal."
Lymphoma Action is the UK’s only charity dedicated to lymphoma, the fifth most common cancer.
Support Amber's fundraising effort at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amber-henry2
