Why (oh, why??!!) am I putting myself through the pain of running 26.2 miles for the Virgin London Marathon on 25 April?  I am representing a charity which has a very personal connection to my family - Headway: the Brain Injury Association, the leading UK charity dedicated to improving services available to individuals affected by brain injury. 

In 2006, my brother sustained a serious head injury in a car accident. His physical wounds almost killed him, but the most difficult aspect of his recovery related to his brain trauma. Victims of head injuries can often experience personality changes which are unexpected, scary and difficult to cope with. The brain essentially has to ‘re-wire’ itself, bringing a host of new emotions, insecurities, confusion and anxiety. The recovery process can take years and can be an extremely isolating experience as those on the outside – at work, in social situations, at home – are often not aware of the subtle complexities involved.

Every year more than one million people in the UK suffer some form of head injury. Headway offers families like mine advice, information and practical care. They do an amazing job so please, please help me support this charity which achieves so much for this ‘hidden’ disability.

Thank you! Now, where are those thermal running tights.........