I was due to run the London Marathon in October 2022 but due to two bouts of COVID in close proximity I was medically advised not too, and my body just wasn’t physically capable at that time. I was lucky enough that Mind allowed deferred entrance for April 2023 and I went about my training again when I was ready. 

This is very much like deja vu… but unfortunately, due to an ongoing knee injury I am unable to take part in the London Marathon again this year, which I’m absolutely gutted about. 

I’ve been trying to get through my training for the last 5-6weeks but I haven’t been able to run pain free and at 5km it has got so bad I’ve needed to stop. As a result, I have been advised to completely cease running for 6-8 weeks - as someone who loves running this is really not easy but hoping that I can keep some fitness with swimming and cycling.

The whole reason for this marathon was to raise money for Mind, an incredibly important and impactful mental health charity, and I’m still eager to do this. I can’t run, but I can swim and cycle, so I plan to do:

⚠️ 42 lengths, 42km bike, 42 lengths, on the 23rd April!!! ⚠️ 

(*I had to adjust this due to pool availability and I swam 84 lengths in one followed by the bike) 

…Which is in keeping with the 42.2km of the London marathon.

I chose Mind because I have struggled with my own mental health for most of my life and I’ve witnessed others challenges. Although I can safely say I’m on an upward trajectory with it all now, there have definitely been some dark days with this injury process, and more importantly there are so many others who are at their rock bottom and need the support of a charity like Mind. I know it’s not quite the challenge I set out for, but I WILL do something on the 23rd April, so if anyone is able and kind enough to I’d really appreciate some donations to my justgiving page (linked below).

Finally, thank you to everyone who has donated already, and to all those who’ve been there for every step of my marathon journey. I will run one in the future 🙏🏻