I am delighted to be taking on the Hackney Half Marathon on Sunday 21st May to raise money for the extraordinary work of Breathe Arts Health Research (breatheahr.org).

Breathe is a small charity that delivers innovative creative healthcare programmes all underpinned by robust scientific research. Their award winning programmes improve the physical and mental health of NHS staff, patients and those in the community.

I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of being part of the Breathe Magic programmes since 2015. The magic camps help young people with hemiplegia (a weakness or paralysis affecting one side of the body as a result of brain injury or stroke) as they learn, practice and perform magic created by Occupational Therapists and Magic Circle Magicians. Seeing these young magicians’ physical improvement and boosted confidence over the course of the programme is a joy and their beaming smiles after their final theatre performance is a powerful reminder of the true power that magic can have.

Since running regularly over lockdown, I suffered a hip injury (bursitis) which has slowed me down over the last couple of years! I’m making good progress and am back to running regular 5ks now… but this half marathon will be the furthest I’ve ever run. With your encouragement I intend to reach the finish line!

Wish me luck and thank you for your support!