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Ok so here goes…it’s time to lace up the trainers again and hit the pavements in preparation for the London Marathon in April 2024! It’s been 8 years since my last one of these and after last year's injury setback I am more determined than ever to make the start line!

I have a feeling that physically this is going to be my toughest marathon yet; the combination of age and thickness around the middle are working against me!

However…I think the emotional challenge is going to be the hardest. This time around I am running for the MS Society and in memory of my amazing mother who passed away in 2018.

For those that didn’t know my mother, she essentially lived two lives- pre-MS and post-MS. Before 2000 and for almost 60years she was a strong, independent, selfless, caring but fierce woman. It always made me laugh how much my so called tough mates were intimidated by her when they came over! She led an amazing life, explored the world, worked hard and raised a family. She was passionate and selfless, helping charities and those that were vulnerable.

However, in 2000 that all changed when she was diagnosed with MS. Overnight she became trapped in a body that would not work as it used to, struggling to speak and walk, going from being totally independent to relying on the care of her friends and family. The deterioration continued steadily for the next 18 years, with residential care in homes being needed for the majority of those years.

Her quirky humour never quite left her, fits of giggles often coming from guessing games based on her stuttering and inability to get words out for example. But what did disappear was her spark, her fire that made her so unique. Replaced with an anger and bitterness at what she had become. When the end did finally come, as quick, sad and upsetting that it was, it was a relief as I knew she wasn’t suffering or trapped any longer. She was finally free.

I am running in memory of my mother and to raise money, awareness and support for The MS Society, an amazing charity that does so much to help the thousands of people affected by MS in the UK alone. It is a truly horrible and devastating disease and every penny raised will go towards helping those that suffer on a daily basis. 

Thank you so much for your generosity!