On Sunday the 22nd of April 2018 I will be running the LONDON marathon as part of Team NSPCC. I still can't quite believe it when I say it as I have watched the event unfold on TV year after year, desperately wishing I was there and now I am so lucky to be taking part and representing such a worthy charity.

I love running and it plays a big part of my life. It is how I deal with stress, how I keep fit and I love the freedom of the road. That's not to say it is easy! 

This is without a doubt the most physically challenging thing I have ever done, and the training has not been without it's ups and downs.  My last run was 17 miles and I will soon extend that to 20 miles - any playlist recommendations are more than welcome!  

I am motivated to smash this because the cause is so worth it. 26.2 miles is nothing compared to the suffering of some children and young people in the UK. The NSPCC has rescued thousands of children from abuse and poverty and continues its great work to keep children safe, all through charitable donations from good people like you.

Across the UK the NSPCC provides services such as 24-hour helplines and therapeutic centres - each one making a huge difference to less fortunate children.  I often use the NSPCC's online resources when keeping up to date on how to keep my children safe online or how to speak to them about important safety issues.

The NSPCC has many critical projects, some well known and others local and under the radar. It needs your help and your money until every vulnerable child in the UK has the support they need.