Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Here is WHY I am doing this crazy thing....

If you know me or follow me on Instagram you will know that I have always told myself I can't run.  Until 3 years ago when I started the couch 2 5K NHS app.  It took me three attempts to finish the training because I didn't believe I could run for more than 10 mins without wanting to quit.  

Fast forward to now and because running outside is my therapy, I decided that when lockdown hit in March 2020 that I would set up a local virtual running group 'Haxby Runners' to keep people running for their mental and physical well being.  It's been great with different challenges and we have even got together on a couple of occasions and run to raise lots of money for different charities.  I have even done some studying on running and passed my LiRF (Leader in Running Fitness) qualification.

In April 2021 I had a bolt of inspiration (or maybe lost my mind) and decided to enter the Manchester Marathon not even having run a half marathon before and then in June nailed the Great North Virtual Half Marathon. Something I NEVER thought I could do.

So it's time to come clean as I am no longer in denial that I am taking on one of the biggest challenges of my life.  

This is going to test everything I have got in more ways than one.  I want to have the motivation to keep training hard, and eventually being able to make it all the way round -all 26.2 miles of it (just saying that out loud scares me silly!)

I know the most important thing is that I believe I can do it and I am not sure I am quite there yet. So what better accountability than raising such important funds for an amazing charity Women's Aid.

Violence against women and children has to stop - enough is enough.  I have worked with all sides involved in this and there is never an excuse and I have seen the long term damage that is done to people's lives.  Domestic violence has increased throughout this pandemic and lockdown, and charities need support more than ever to continue to support families facing this everyday.

Please help stop this violence and maintain the crucial support needed AND at the same time you will also be helping me to cross that finish line as I will think about each and everyone of you that has my back.

Thank you - it means the world to me. 

Love Gemma x

NB > 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.