Eighteen months ago I could barely run a kilometre without collapsing (I was the kid who found every which way to shirk out of cross-country at school) but, with the help of a ridiculous amount of spare time (and energy) last year, I have found that it is something I really like doing.

So, time for my first competitive run and to beg you lot for some dollar for charity so that I can do something I enjoy!!

I am running for Lumos, there is a little more about them below but a quick synopsis: they want to make sure all children get the best possible start in life by growing up in a loving family. Which is good. 

As well as running in a Lumos vest, I will also be running with an armband in support of transgender rights and will be making a personal donation to Mermaids. If you would also like to support their work please do drop me a line. 

Finally, Lumos has found a partner for this event who is doubling any funds raised so your donations will go even further. Woop woop. 

Lumos is working to end of the use of orphanages worldwide by 2050.Currently over 5.4 million children are growing up in orphanages, but these institutions severely damage the emotional and physical wellbeing of a child.Lumos will keep working until every child grows up at home, in a safe and loving family, to receive the individual care and attention they so desperately need.Thanks to their 100% pledge - every penny you donate will go directly to Lumos' projects protecting children.Here's how your donation could make a difference:-£10 could provide families with children in desperate need with emergency food kits including rice, flour, tinned fish and milk - to prevent children being placed in orphanages in order to be fed.-£25 could provide families with hygiene kits to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus within vulnerable communities.-£100 could provide a child whose lived in an orphanage with counselling they desperately need to recover from their experiences.