My midlife crisis came a little early for me and I decided to apply for the London Marathon... lucky for me (hmmm), I got a place!

Training has been going well; my most recent Sunday run was 3 hours long and I covered 22 miles.

I decided, to give me extra motivation, I would also use my ballot place to help raise awareness and funds for Carers Trust Tyne & Wear Crossroads Carer Services.

They do a fantastic job working with young carers across Tyne and Wear and funding is very important in maintaining the work they do.

• Young carers have to help out more at home with things like housework, picking up medical prescriptions or benefits, pushing a wheelchair, laundry, ironing, helping to give medication, cooking, shopping, accompanying someone to hospital or appointments, taking brothers and sisters to school and managing money and bills. 
  
• Young carers who support family members with mental ill health or depression may provide emotional support by listening to their problems, cheering them up, or coping with inconsistent or strange behaviour. 
  
• If a young carer supports a family member who has a drug or alcohol problem, they may have to ensure that persons safety, get them to bed and look after siblings. 
  
• Young carers need a break from their caring role but it can be difficult to find time for themselves or to make new friends.
  

Carers Trust Tyne and Wear help young carers by providing days out and social opportunities, advice and information, counselling and emotional support, study support and opportunities to learn new skills.

By donating, you will be improving the lives of young carers, as well as helping them to have a life of their own and sustaining their own well-being.

Every penny counts and whatever you can give will be very helpful. 

Thanks... and look out for me on the telly! I'll be the one being overtaken by a pantomime dame...