"NEVER AGAIN" were the first words I uttered after finishing the London Marathon in 2009. Despite beating my previous time by 12 minutes, I finished the race in agony, having run with an injury and being told by the physio, six weeks earlier, that I really shouldn't run! But, for those of you who know me, deferring my place was never an option!

So, here we are... 8 years later and with a few more injuries and niggles under my belt, I have signedup to run the Snowdonia Marathon on Saturday 28th October for Awyr Las/Blue Sky, which is the charity linked to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (or "work" for me).

I have worked in Mental Health, on and off, for the past 7 years and I am currently responsible for services in Flintshire and Wrexham; I have decided to raise funds for the area where I work and (depending on how much I raise) the teams in the area will have the opportunity to decide how the monies will be spent for patients - whether they are a Ward or a Community Team.

I appreciate that people don't want to part with their hard-earned money but, whilst you may never utilise Mental Health Services in North Wales, think about the number of people who suffer with mental illness where you are and how additional funds could benefit those people; whether you have accessed services yourself in the past or know of someone who has. Every pound raised will add up and I will be extremely grateful to you for any donation that you kindly make, no matter how small or large it may be.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page, reading my story and for any donation that you may make.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.