February 12th is my brother Tom’s 31st birthday. Following complications caused by a brain condition, this year he will be spending his birthday in hospital while the superhero doctors work their magic to get him well again. Tom has become a bit of an expert at this.- after nearly 60 operations, he is no stranger to the hospital ward. Not that this makes it any easier, especially as this time he is not allowed visitors (damn you, Covid!). Tom, you are amazing.

Shine charity supports people living with Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida and their families and carers. Hydrocephalus is a serious brain condition that has numerous side effects that can vary greatly between individuals. It can affect concentration, reasoning, short-term memory, co-ordination, motivation, organisational skills and language. It can cause sight problems. People with hydrocephalus are also more likely to be affected by depression or anxiety than the rest of the population. Every day can be a struggle. 

Tom and I planned to fundraise together this October to raise awareness of this brilliant charity and to help a little way towards supporting the work they do. However, change of plan, the fundraising starts now!

I am going to run every day for 366 days, starting on Tom's birthday in 2021 and finishing on his birthday in 2022. I also plan to persuade him to run a mile or two with me along the way too when he's well again, though don't tell him just yet ;)

On the surface, this perhaps sounds like it won’t be too much of a challenge for someone who (mostly) enjoys running. For a number of reasons, it is not as easy for me to run as regularly as it has been in the past. Let me assure you, running every single day in all weathers, no matter how I’m feeling or how work or home-schooling has gone, will require planning and some serious self-motivation! (this is coming from someone who only made it to day 3 of RED January...)

Just in case that isn't enough to persuade you to donate to this great cause, I will also run an official 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon (London) during the year too. Training for a marathon is no mean feat...

Any donations at all will be much appreciated by us both and Shine. I know that seeing the donations total creeping up will help Tom to keep smiling so dig deep people :)

Thank you

Lizzie X

Follow my progress on Instagram at lizzie_runs_366