I'm running the Porto marathon on 8th November to raise money for a charity very close to my heart. SLiDE strives to remove barriers to participation in dance and the arts faced by learning disabled people, addressing power imbalances. Our wider aim is to bring disabled and non-disabled people together, uniting diverse groups through our classes, performance projects and social events.

Due to funding cuts we recently lost our Lotto grant for £300k, so it is more important than ever that we bring together our community and continue to support dance and arts opportunities for people with disabilities.

As a trustee on the Board of SLiDE and a regular volunteer at our SoDaDa events I would be hugely grateful for any support that you can offer, however small. It is such an important cause and whilst volunteering I have never seen so many gorgeous free-spirited souls express themselves with such joy. I have also never been hugged so many times in any one evening or day! - they are wonderful, as are all of the volunteers who make it possible for us to hold our events.

I was informed the Porto marathon was relatively flat (thank you Rowan) but since have learned it is not... *face palm*.

Having not run a marathon since 13 years ago (and trust me, the knees are not what they used to be...) this is going to be a monumental effort for me too. Please show your support for this incredibly worthwhile cause.