I ran in honour of transplant boy Max

TRIBUTE Our Jeremy yesterday I HAD a moment to ponder what had brought me to the start line yesterday.

It was time to reflect on the story of Max Johnson, the brave nine-year-old who has led our Change the Law for Life campaign.

Before finally getting his lifesaving transplant last month, he told me one in three people on the organ donor waiting list die before one becomes available.

Clutching the monitors helping keep him alive at Newcastle Freeman Hospital, he made that statement with such maturity for CHAMP Mo Farah, and newly engaged Masai & Robertson RUNNER NO. 57181, 1HR 43MINS

one so young. I was moved by his courage, and that of his family.

That time before the start always gets to me, as runners think of those they are there to remember, and the causes they support. Over a million have taken part down the years, raising hundreds of millions for charity.

I thought too of my best friend David Ginn, who died aged 35 as his enlarged heart went undiagnosed. I ran in honour of little Max and in memory of Dave for the British Heart Foundation. I hope “Max’s Law” for an opt-out donor system is passed by MPs in Labour’s Private Members Bill to up the number of organs available. It is too late for Dave, but many like Max are waiting for the chance of life. To donate cash go to http://uk. virginmoneygiving.com/JeremyArmstrong1 BRAVE Max