I don't do a lot of charity work, but 3 years ago my family were going through a difficult period. Amy had not long lost her father to cancer, she was also struggling with post natal depression and the daily difficulties of looking after 4 kids, and a husband who is mainly a hindrance at the best of times! 

At the time I could be out of the house for several days with my work, although I love my job this was difficult. It was at this time we were advised to contact Home Start, a charity who help families who are struggling with all kinds of issues. 

We were contacted by the team at home start and they paired us up with a wonderful lady Janey. She came to our house on a weekly basis, not as some kind of surveillance but, as a friend - who is trained - just to spend time either with Amy, or our little girl to give Amy a little time to do things she needed to. 

Janey would take Amy out of the house to get her interacting with the world. We were invited to family events and at Christmas we had a party where all our children met Father Christmas and were given lovely gifts. 

Our situation is much improved and no small part thanks to the wonderful volunteers at home start. Thankfully our 1 on 1 time is no longer needed. 

Although I do run fairly regularly, this will be the first half marathon I have run and the furthest I have ever run. Please, if you can help in anyway to support these amazing people, I will be very grateful.