In 2017 I ran the Simply Health - Great South Run to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society in memory of my dear Gran.  Bizarrely I can say that it was highly rewarding as a personal achievement but also immensely satisfying fundraising for such a good cause knowing how the funds raised can make a difference to someone living with Dementia.  I can honestly say that is what kept me running right to the end knowing everyone had donated to support such a worthwhile cause.

Now I’m increasing the miles…..(can’t believe I’m saying this) I’ve been given the opportunity to run the London Marathon 2019 via work as part of Zurich Community Trust team. www.zct.org.uk

One of the main reasons I have decided to take on the epic challenge of running 26.2 miles is because ZCT continually supports many UK charities and is in partnership with two national charities (voted for by employees) one of them being Dementia UK.

Knowing how Dementia can have an effect on someone living with the disease it is heartbreaking when memories are all that you have to hold onto. Dementia UK provides specialist dementia support for families through their Admiral Nurse Service.

When things get challenging or difficult, Dementia UK’s nurses work alongside people with dementia, and their families: giving them one-to one support, expert guidance and practical solutions. The unique dementia expertise and experience an Admiral Nurse brings is a lifeline it helps families to live more positively with dementia in the present, and to face the challenges of tomorrow with more confidence and less fear.

https://www.dementiauk.org/

The other national charity is Place 2 Be who provides emotional support for children aged 4-14 in schools. Place2Be is a children’s mental health charity providing school-based support and in-depth training programmes to improve the emotional wellbeing of pupils, families, teachers and school staff.

One in ten children in the UK under the age of 16 suffers from a diagnosable mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression. That’s an average of 3 in every classroom. That is why Place2Be’s work is so important. They provide in-school mental health support to children so that they can address mental health issues early on, build their resilience, and therefore have the best chance at going on to be happy, healthy and successful adults. As the support is provided in the school, it removes the stigma associated with a child being away from class to see a counsellor.

https://www.place2be.org.uk/

Good news! I can double the donation. My fundraising efforts are matched 100% by Zurich. In generously sponsoring me, you are donating unconditionally to support Zurich Community Trust, irrespective of whether or not I am actually able to complete the event on the day.

This will be one of the biggest physical challenges I have ever set myself and I will need all the help and support I can get. All donations will be gratefully appreciated and I can honestly say it will be your generosity that will get me through the winter training and hopefully finish this marathon major!

Thanks in advance :-)