I really struggle writing things like this as I'm not overly eloquent with words, but here goes...

Last year I started jogging, for many reasons really, but mainly for fun and fitness, But over the course of the year I found it helping me with lots of things, notable my own mental health and substantially helping ease some of the side effects of my epilepsy medication, which has been an ongoing challenge...so far I'm winning!

As I started doing funruns, I'd be regularly asked if I was collecting sponsorship, or raising money for anything. I wasn't, I was purely running for myself, to see how far I could go, and enjoying feeling fitter and getting further each time. But as many joggers may find, as you are plodding along, listening to some uplifting music, you have time from daily 'life-busyness' to think. While running I'd often think of my gorgeous little niece Sophie. And, well, this is where I shall start.

Sophie is a very special member of our family, she's been on a massive adventure so far, in her year and a half on this planet. I'm not going to go into every medical detail here as it isn't my place to do so. Those who are close to our family will know about her journey and how brilliant she is. Over the next few months, years, etc as she grows, she will most likely need some specialist equipment. From expensive chairs, furniture, sensory equipment/therapies etc etc. Therefore, I have decided to focus my running efforts of Sophie now, in hope it will help her and her parents in any way it can.

So I will share this page as and when I do a running event, feel free to donate as little or as much as you like. Each time I do a run (and at this stage they will be mainly 10ks as I'm still new to this running lark, and so far they are big challenges to me!!)

My first run of the yeAr is the Newburgh Beach Bash. This is a tough 10k. And battles some fairly harsh weather conditions as ive been told! Gulp!! BRING IT ON haha.