As it's been a few years since I have set myself a challenge to raise money for a charity, I have decided to push myself, to a challenge to help raise money for not just one but five different charities throughout October....Something a little different, but with the best intentions to raise as much money as possible:

5 weeks, 5 half marathons: Cardiff, London Lee Valley, Manchester, Stroud, River Thames Half

The 5 reasons why...

1. Target Ovarian Cancer

https://targetovariancancer.org.uk

Target Ovarian Cancer is the UK’s leading ovarian cancer charity. We work to improve early diagnosis, fund life-saving research and provide much-needed support to women with ovarian cancer. Having lost my wonderful Nanny, dear friend Val, and seeing many amazing ladies, and their famile's suffering because of this awful cancer, This charity is very close to mine and my family’s heart.

2. Verity PCOS Support

http://www.verity-pcos.org.uk/what-is-pcos.html

Having been diasgnosed with PCOS over a year ago, I only recently made it public knowledge, since doing so I have discovered many other ladies with similar struggles, and being able to speak to others about their struggles just helps you know, you are not alone. Verity is a self-help group for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The group was established in 1997 to share the truth about the condition and improve the lives of women living with PCOS. The charity is run by a dedicated board of Volunteer Trustees supported by a team of further volunteers, who all support thousands of women both in the UK and internationally. PCOS research is very limited, there is no cure yet to this syndrome, so this raises the importance in such charities.

3. Alzheimer's Society

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

Over the last few years, I have heard of more and more about this wonderful charity and how it supports victims and their families with dementia. I have particularly been inspired to choose this charity in memory of Ed’s wonderful Nan, and my lovely friend Sophie who helped her wonderful Nanna with her battles. Alzheimers Society, are the only UK charity investing in research into dementia care, cause, cure and prevention. We’ve committed to spending £150 million on cutting-edge research over the next decade. Every project we fund directly addresses the needs and concerns of people affected by dementia.

4. Tehya’s Wheelchair Fund

Tehya's Wheelchair Fund

A charity close to a best friends families’ heart which has made me want to help raise funds to purchase a specialised wheelchair for their 5 year old daughter Tehya Faith. Please see their story here:

Tehya was born with a rare genetic syndrome - Mowat Wilson syndrome. Tehya is a very happy and fun loving little character and loves to be around other people. Due to Tehya’s rare condition she has physical disabilities, which are low muscle tone causing her to be quite weak and also developmental delays. Tehya has severe seizures, these seizures are triggered through illness as well as lack off or disturbed sleep. Because of this we have to be extremely vigilant when we take Tehya anywhere in her buggy. The wheelchair which we are trying to raise funds for is a very versatile chair that is easy to push and able to be taken off road allowing for fun messy walks! Even more importantly is tilts back allowing for Tehya to sleep comfortably in the chair when needed, minimising her risk of having a seizure, and it is also very well engineered allowing for Tehya to be able to push herself giving her a little bit more independence.

5. Mind - Mental Health

https://www.mind.org.uk/

Seeing how mental health has affected many people around me, i feel very passionate about not suffering in silence, nor being ashamed of any mental health issues.

Every year, one in four of us will experience a mental health problem. But hundreds of thousands of people are still struggling. Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. They won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.

So, there we go... Thank you for visiting my page and supporting my challenge:

Lots of love and appreciation,

Amy xxx