Thanks to a friend and colleague, I was spurred on to enter the VLM 2017 ballot. Whilst applying, I filled in my story for a charity place to run for Multiple Sclerosis Society. They chose me to be one of the MS Superstars for the Marathon, so now I carry the responsibility of raising funds and training this mid-life-crisis body into shape! Many of you know that my quest for the 2017 was littered with injury and rehab - suffering with both shins trying to fracture, (MTSS for those with medical know-how) and a neuroma in my foot. Therefore, the logical thing to do - was to defer to the 2018 - for which MS Society has kindly given me my place.

Many of you may or may not know that my mother has MS and kept this private from our family for 25 years, to enable our childhoods not to be spoiled with the knowledge of this diagnosis when I was 5.  We had recently lost our school music teacher to MS, and so she kept the news to within a small group of people.  Departing with this news must have become harder and harder as time marched on.  When I was just 30, I finally was told, and the family now join forces to help.

Fifteen years later, Mum remains strong-minded and does not heed to the MS, but listens to her body and rests when required, and tries to maintain a stress free lifestyle. Attacks for her are infrequent, but strong - affecting her eyesight, balance and sensory rather than motor nerves. For a painter, this is particularly debilitating. I have friends with parents with MS and have three friends my age who fight daily against this condition, two are very lame and one is bed-ridden now. I shan't name them here - but I respect the dignity and strength they all show, and this adds to my desire to help.

Multiple sclerosis is a life-long, chronic condition for which there is currently no cure. We’re fighting to improve treatment and care to help people with MS take control of their lives. And the MS Society is funding research to beat it.

 I embarked on a 2016/2017 of running training prior to injury and more pain than I care to recall.  Ice became my friend along with anti-inflammatory gel - something was definitely going wrong!  This was a whole new world of running training, and for a novice at my age - it  presented me with challenges, not least my age, but that I have 5 year old twins at home and a full time demanding career. I have sought the advice and support of Sevenoaks Ladies Joggers, and am under the guidance of a terrific consultant, podiatrist and physio.  I also have been diligent with pilates daily in order to take the pressure off my shins and become a more balanced runner - we are looking for "fleet of foot" rather than a "plodder"!

If you see me in the parks around Sevenoaks, or on the road - give me a wave - I will need all the help and support I can get.  I ran the winter 10km in 1.09 and am entered for the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October - aiming for 2.10-15. Then a few bouts of 10kms and halves in the run up to the big day in April 2018.  This is certainly a longer journey than I had envisaged but will result in me becoming a runner for life. Thankfully this time, my running partner Jemma Maynard will be running alongside also.

Thank you for visiting my page, please donate, even if it is only a few Pounds or Euros, Dollars or Yen ! It all adds up and I know this money will be put to a great cause assisting those with MS and supporting those who have loved ones with this disease.

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.