I’m running the Chicago Marathon on Sunday 7 October 2018 in memory of a special friend who once showed me around this incredible city during a fortnight of fun six years ago.

It’ll be my first marathon and I’m pretty terrified, but if Bobby could run the Walt Disney World Marathon on zero training (or so he once claimed) then I can at least give this one a go, and I’ll be counting on him to help me over the finish line.

Bobby and I met working for Habitat for Humanity Guatemala. He was my co-worker, housemate and friend: the guy who danced around the living room to Kate Bush with me, taught me how to make meatloaf and whose comedy routines had me in stitches.

I’m raising money for two charities:

1. Papyrus is a UK-based charity that focuses on suicide prevention among young people. Every year over 1600 young people take their own lives in the UK. Many thousands more contemplate suicide, many harm themselves or suffer alone, afraid to speak openly about how they are feeling. Papyrus runs a national helpline, HOPELINEUK, offering confidential support for under-35s at risk of suicide and others who are concerned about them, and delivers vital suicide prevention and intervention training across the UK.

2. Habitat Guatemala is doing essential work supporting communities affected by June’s deadly eruption of Volcan Fuego. The official death toll from the disaster currently stands at 169, although many believe it to be far higher. More than 200 people are still missing and as many as 1.7 million people are affected. The impact of the tragedy will continue to be felt for years to come. Habitat is focused on buying land and building houses for families who lost everything. The approximate cost of the houses and land are $8,000 and $5,000 respectively.

Any donation - big or small - would be greatly appreciated, and an extra incentive to get me through each mile.

Thanks,

Anna