Where do I begin? Well, I will start by saying I can't actually believe I have been given this amazing opportunity to run the London Marathon 2022. This has been on my bucket list for over 20 years, but I had not previously been successful in the ballot.

On 2nd October 2022 I will be running the marathon in aid of MIND charity to help raise awareness and impact of mental health.

Genuinely I feel that it is no coincidence that this opportunity has come up now. The last two years have been incredibly challenging for so many people, but for me personally I have overcome a lot of hurdles after getting seriously unwell with Covid in March 2020. This left me with long covid and permanent damage to my lungs.

I went from being healthy and active (physically and mentally) to not being able to even walk ten steps without pain and getting out of breath. My lungs felt like they were being grated with every breath I took. In November 2020 I was referred to covid rehab where I had to attend an eight-week programme. I thought that this was going to help me feel myself again, but quickly realised my recovery was not just physical but, more importantly, mental.

I will never forget the call I made to my husband after my first session where I broke down and admitted that I felt dead inside, and scared I may not ever be myself again. 

After many frustrating conversations with myself, my family and friends I finally realised I needed to approach my recovery with the attitude of building a new me - and that is when my journey really began. 

I started 2021 with a promise to be kind to myself and my recovery. I also came to terms with it taking time, so I needed to be patient and ask for help from family, friends and colleagues. Gone were the 7 days a week at the gym and HIIT workouts that I used to do. I started with a 20- minute basic strength session each morning. After four months I embarked on the Couch to 5k running programme where I struggled to run for 90 seconds to start with, but by keeping at it I managed to run my first 5k by the end, which I have maintained once a week since.

The London Marathon is going to be my biggest ever challenge both physically and mentally. While I will be doing it for myself, my family and friends who have been affected by mental health issues causing depression and anxiety, I will be running the marathon in memory of my daughter's friend, Edvinas, who lost his battle with mental health aged 15 in 2017.

Edvinas was a few weeks away from completing his GCSEs and leaving high school. His passing was devastating to his family, friends, school and the wider community. When I contacted Edvinas’ mum to say I wanted to run the marathon in his memory, she replied: “Thank you for remembering him”. 

Edvinas will never be forgotten and will remain in our hearts forever.  

What makes this year even more special is that is when Edvinas would have celebrated his 21st birthday. My aim is to help raise funds in aid of MIND charity who provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. In 2019/20 MIND’s services were accessed over 18 million times and they won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem can get support and respect. Whoever they are, whatever their race, gender, sexuality, disability or beliefs, gets support. 

I would really appreciate any donations to help me reach my target of £2,000 for MIND charity. 

Let’s all help those that are suffering in silence.

Thank you.