Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

So here goes... this time two years ago I could not run for more than a few minutes at a time.  I decided during the second Covid lockdown that I needed to improve my mental and physical health throughout it, so I took on the challenge of the Couch to 5k, thinking that I might achieve that and be able to run 5k here and there.  I didn't stop!  I became a huge fan of running and the benefits it brings.  Since then, I have completed 5k, 10k and Half Marathon races.  In fact, after completing the Southend Half Marathon last year, I told a few friends and family that it was great but had put me off doing a full marathon...  Less than a month later after a conversation with a colleague and hearing how great the Havens team were, I signed up for a charity place in the London Marathon 2023 (am I mad?!)!!

I always said that I would get sponsorship for my first Half and first full marathon.  I am so grateful to those that sponsored me for the Half last year (also for Havens) and raised such a fantastic amount that I hope I can do it again and a little more for the main event! I started my formal 16-week training plan on 3rd January and will be running 3-4 times a week between now and the marathon.  I have linked this page with my Strava account so that you can all see how I am getting on.  I am excited and apprehensive, all at the same time!

Havens are a fantastic charity, providing totally invaluable support for people with life-limiting / terminal illnesses and also their families.  I have experienced this first-hand when my dear Grandad passed away 10 years ago at Havens in Southend.  The team there looked after him and the entire family, making his final weeks the most comfortable they could have been and I will never forget the day he left us, the entire family gathering at Havens and the understanding and comfort that they provided.  Havens and Little Havens have also supported many other family members and friends over the years, offering respite for those with life-limiting illnesses too, which is also so well needed by those involved.

So please, if you can spare a few pennies or pounds I would be so grateful to spur me on too and support me in what is going to be a major challenge, but I will be so proud if I can complete it with the backing of all my family and friends :-)

Thank you for reading.

Suzie x