The Shield Run is a meaningful personal challenge for me as I believe more women must be in specialist policing roles. I want to help raise the profile of specialist roles and show that in spite of my lack of fitness (never been running before! since school) anyone can set a goal and achieve it. Now, the shield run has been dropped by Sussex Police as an entry requirement for public order policing and a bleep test has been put in its place. But for old times sake, I will be doing roughly half a mile in less than 6 mins wearing 3 stone of equipment including the shield which weighs 4-5kgs in my left hand.

I think women need specialist support services and I also believe in supporting local charities rather than national ones. So I have chosen to run for BHT's Threshold women's counselling service. http://www.bht.org.uk/index.php?dir=services/mental%20health/threshold  A video on this service will be added on the 10 October to coincide with Mental Health day. Women accessing the service may experience a range of mental health issues: self harm, eating disorders, depression and more. Some women have experienced domestic and/ or sexual abuse. The service provides a creche and supports women in their role as mothers whilst addressing mental distress. Women only services provide a vital safe space for vulnerable women - please support Threshold.

If I reach my first target of £500 I will also run through Firebomb Alley with Supt Laurence Taylor - another training course for police officers! I feel like facing this challenge is small compared to that faced by a mother who is looking after small children whilst smothered by a blanket of depression and anxiety - if they can make it with support so can I! I will put my trust in the officers who are supporting me through and I am really grateful for it and their kindness in supporting women's services.

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