I'm going to be running the Hackney Half Marathon on 26th September 2021.

That's 13.1 miles.

Why am I putting my body through this? There's a good reason.

MS is a neurological disease that affects over 100,000 people in the UK – and almost three times as many women than men. The condition occurs when your immune system attacks the coating of your nerve fibres, which helps deliver messages to different parts of your body. This might impact your balance, walking, vision, or emotions. Everyone's MS is different.  

It is something I am familiar with as my mum was diagnosed with it in 2006. My mum is someone who never stops moving; from riding her horse across the Cornish moors when she was a teenager, to chasing after four daughters, and competing in numerous running events. One of the clearest memories I have as a child is watching her – arms outstretched, sweaty face beaming – cross the finish line at one of the many Race for Life's she ran. I remember hoping that one day I would be able to run like her.

When she was diagnosed she stopped running. The MS affects her balance and makes lifting her right foot difficult, so she worries about tripping up and falling. 

She is still a very active woman, and refuses to let MS define her - she just gets on with life. 

So I'm running the Hackney Half for my mum, and all the other people with MS who won't let the disease stop them from living their lives.

The MS Society is a brilliant charity that's working to stop MS - something I think is possible. I would be very grateful if you could donate anything to this good cause. 

Thank you!