Watching the 2022 London Marathon on tv, I felt that warm, fuzzy feeling at seeing so many people come together to achieve their goals and the overwhelming sense of community and support from participants and the crowd...and so I entered the ballot, thinking I'd like to be part of something like that. I didn't for a minute expect to get in. Only 3% of entrants do! It turned out I was one of those lucky 3%. To be honest, I was pretty freaked out and I remain absolutely terrified. But I've put in the training and have pushed through cold, wet, muddy runs throughout the winter. My biggest challenge hasn't been my legs, but my self-belief...however, given that the race day is this Sunday, hotel is booked, gear all ready to go...I am committed to crossing that start line and I really, really hope I make it to the end!

I wanted to support a smaller charity that might not be well known and I really admire the work that Shout do, in giving support round-the-clock to people who need to talk. Mental health matters!

Shout is the UK's only free, confidential and 24/7 text messaging service for anyone struggling to cope with their mental health. Every 60 seconds, someone reaches out for support and has a conversation that could save their life.£10 can pay for a conversation with someone in crisis £25 can fund a clinician to provide expert supervision of conversations on Shout's digital mental health platform.£250 can train a new Shout Volunteer to take life-saving conversations.