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I've been a member of the Facebook group Parenting Mental Health almost 4yrs now, before they became a charity. At the time I was alone, no support that understood what as a parent I was going through trying to support my child's mental health and my own, blame for theirs often laid at my door that my child couldn't get into school.

I was welcomed with open arms and just knowing I wasn't alone and other parents understood as they were going through it too, I cant begin to describe the relief ,I was no longer in the darkness, a light had shone in helping me find my way out.

Not only has it helped me as a parent but also as a person to find who I am too after being buried in stress so long, I have been able to grow again through the courses and information shared. I've also made friends, lifelong ones because of the connections, the majority from real life disappeared when my child got ill.

My child still has ups and downs, so knowing the group is there really helps and I in turn have been able to support others, to give back and fundraise so the charity can reach other parents. If you're reading this and you're a parent or carer of a child with a mental health condition or know someone you think could use the support do join or tell them.

Why did I decide to run a marathon? I didn't, I actually didn't think I could hence 2 half marathons last year, however after listening to an interview with the director of London marathon it sounded fun (i know😄)so put my name in the ballot and yes I got in! my 1st thought what have I done? followed by the biggest grin. Am I scared? Yes! am I excited? yes! can I do this? Yes even if I have to crawl the last bit I'm doing it! will it be hard? hell yes and way out my comfort zone but after the last 2yrs life is for living and if it means I can raise a lot of money for PMH by doing it then challenge accepted! But I'll be doing it the uniquely Dawn way so watch this space.

So will you sponsor me pretty please because little 51yr old me is going to dig deep inside for this and need all the motivation I can get.

Ill be fundraising in other ways too(watch this space), so if you'd like to donate in another way I'll appreciate all and every penny that motivates me round 26.2 miles in October,less than 5mths to go. I'm eating and sleeping marathon(no not snickers) base training making sure I'm ready for this epic challenge and the proper training starts next month. Wish me luck!