Following the cancellation of both Bath and Richmond Half Marathons in March (thanks to the lovely snow we all so enjoyed), I’m hoping for third time lucky... So, on June 10th, I will be taking on the St Albans Half Marathon in support of the wonderful charity, Guide Dogs. 

As many of you will know, my love of Labradors is all-encompassing and I have been very lucky to have one in my life since I was born. But it was only when I moved to London that I saw the incredible contribution that these dogs make to peoples lives. Whether it be standing patiently on the escalator as commuters push past them on the tube, to navigating their owner across a busy main road, these dogs bring the independence and comfort to those who have lost their ultimate sense - their sight. 

The Guide Dogs provide a number of services to support people at all stages in their lives – from the challenges of getting an initial diagnosis, to finding the educational support that’s right for them, to finding the most appropriate technology that enables them to study, play and work.

But their work doesn't stop there. The charity campaigns to end discrimination against people with sight loss. You only need to take a look at the newspaper to see yet another case of a person with a guide dog having been refused access to services, places and vehicles. 

Guide Dogs fund important research programmes, gathering evidence in fields that help to develop services that will have the most positive impact on the lives of people living with sight loss.

I am proud to have sponsored a Guide Dog for a couple of years now, and whilst much of its funding comes from people like me, here's where I need your help. It costs £56,800 to sponsor a Guide Dog from birth to retirement and with only 1% of their income in 2016 coming from government funding, the charity relies entirely on donations from the public to keep their life changing services running.

I would be so grateful for any donation you might be able to give. This is a huge personal challenge for me as it will be the longest distance I have ever run, but knowing that my struggles around the course may help to bring light into somebody's life will make every kilometre that bit easier.

And please keep everything crossed for some friendly weather conditions on June 10th :)!

Thank you, 

Rosie