I'm running Southampton Marathon on 24th April 2022, raising money for a food bank which was setup in Emsworth, during the COVID pandemic, as a response to help families and individuals in need. Love Your Neighbour Campaign gives local people food parcels and care packages. They receive referrals from local community organisations, our schools, councils, churches and individuals can get in touch themselves. They work in partnership with other local food banks.

We know that times are going to be really tough for people over the coming months, with the cost of living rising. Which is why it is so important that we support each other locally. It has been heart-warming to see the community spirit during COVID. I am keen to make sure our foodbanks are well stocked as people's living conditions get harder over the coming summer months.

I have never run a marathon before. As a mum of 3, a military wife, working as a GP, being Clinical Director of our Hayling Island and Emsworth Primary Care Network and last summer becoming Clinical Lead for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Cardiac Rehabilitation for South East England, I like life to be busy! Juggling roles, with leading the vaccination programme and helping build our teams to maintain and improve care, has been an incredible privilege but at times exhausting. One of the highlights of the pandemic has been our volunteers - who gave so much in our vaccination centres. Working lots of hours meant that for a few months, while getting the vaccinations off the ground across Havant, my own wellbeing took a back seat. That was ok for the short-term but not for the long-term. In September 2021 I decided enough was enough and joined Leeanne Barber's Improvers Running Group. It felt great to dedicate an hours training on a Tuesday evening to my own health again. At that point I could jog 5k without stopping! Over the Autumn I did the Great South Run and QE Park Half Marathon. As we welcomed 2022 in, I had just had COVID and decided to sign up for a marathon - to keep me plodding and dedicating time to myself and my health. I hope to get round as close to 5 hours if I can.

We all know how good exercise is for our mental and physical health but it's not always easy to prioritise. We also know how good giving to others is for our own wellbeing. Certainly supporting local people and communities is a huge motivator and driver for me. It is so wonderful to know others will benefit from my marathon training too!

Please do support me by sponsoring me, if you'd like to and are able to. No pressure though! Every penny and ounce of moral support is very welcome and valued.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Hannah x