Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I’ve been exposed to the great work that Variety are doing for a few years now and I’ve met some of the children and their families that they have made a difference to and for.   Heart warming stories that have literally changed children’s lives..  That stuff moves me. It inspires me to want to do something, make a difference in some small way if I can, somehow. Alongside that, running the London Marathon has been a goal of mine for about six years now. I go and watch it every year and each year I come away saying ‘someday I’ll run it’...but in the back of my mind I didn’t think I had the discipline to put in the long training hours in the middle of winter and commit to really making it happen.

It was a chance conversation in May last year that put the wheels in motion. A friend Nikki Page, also the Ambassador at Large for Variety, introduced to one of her good friends, who’d run 6 marathons (at that time).  I said to him enthusiastically “I’ve always wanted to run a marathon” and Nikki said “great, you can run it for us” and he said “and we’ll sponsor you”.  It felt very final. Like I couldn’t back out from it now. The next day Nikki sent me the application papers, I applied and was accepted. It was a mixture of fear, dread and elation!

I hate running, I always have. But since October I’ve been forcing myself to hit the road. It’s a battle of will most mornings and I knew that would always be the greatest challenge, my own thinking. But what is life if we’re not pushing ourselves, testing our resolve, our limits, all for the end goal of making a difference for others?

And here’s where you come in. You can help me make a difference to the lives of children and young people throughout the UK who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged. I am hugely appreciative of all support - emotional and financial for this challenge. The financial support is where we can help Variety continue in their incredible work they do in childrens’ and their families lives.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you! xx