If you know me, you are probably aware that I’ve been a volunteer at Heathrow Special Needs Centre ever since I moved here some six years ago. The aim of the centre is to benefit disadvantaged people by becoming physically active and engaged through farm work and interaction with animals and nature, and operates from a purpose built 7 acre site next to the airport. 

We have horses, ponies, donkeys, pigs, goats, sheep, turkeys, ducks, chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs (have I missed anyone?) that the visitors can spend time with. 

I help with the horse care and riding lessons. Most of our riders had never sat on a horse before, and it’s wonderful to see how comfortable they become with it, how much they look forward to it, the bond they form with the horses, and what they achieve.

I’ve also been a keen runner for over 12 years and earlier this year I decided I needed a challenge. I always wanted to do another Half Marathon and Windsor Great Park is on my doorstep so there was no excuse really! But this time around, I’m 10 years older, and I’ve had to train around a hectic flying schedule. Eating and sleeping at odd times plus jet lag and fatigue and then having to complete a 10 mile training run at 7am because it’s already 25 degrees wherever I am in the world, is no joke!

So I thought, if I’m putting in all this effort, I’d really like to raise some money for the Centre. There’s a lot of hungry mouths to feed with all the furry and feathered residents, so that they can continue to bring happiness to our visitors. Thanks for reading, and I’m really grateful to anyone who wishes to support me. Thank you.