On 9th October 2021, I'm running The Race with No Name. It's about 56km across Dartmoor from Drewsteignton to Ivybridge. 

I had a goal to run a marathon before I'm 40, which is happening in December - eek! It's a big goal, one I still don't know if I can achieve - but that's what makes it the right kind of goal! 

So since January, I have been training, lots and lots of slow running, some hill sprints and intervals, and every week a long run. I have to give a massive thanks to Andy (husband) for supporting me to spend so much time running (and being tired afterwards) and also to my mum Pat, and Andy's parents, Nigel and Joy, who have all helped to look after the children while I've been out running.

Up until now, I was too worried I might fail to tell lots of people about this challenge. Now, I'm still worried, but a bit less so, and am ready to take the risk of potentially failing and having everyone know about it. 

So I can tell you, that I'd be super grateful if you could support me and sponsor me to raise money for Tearfund and their amazing work.

Tearfund is a charity very close to my heart, I have supported them for years. Tearfund work in developing countries, with ALL people, tackling poverty at the root cause and working with local organisations on the ground to meet the needs of people to survive and flourish. They also lobby hard for change from governments around the world. They are passionate and committed to reducing the impact of climate change on the worlds poorest people.

You can visit their website to learn more about their work learn.tearfund.org

Because I am pretty terrified about the impact climate change is having, it is very important to me to choose a charity who feels the same. And I think the money we raise for Tearfund will make such a difference to real people in desperate need. People whose suffering is exacerbated by climate change which we (you and me, and our greedy energy habits) are causing.

Tearfund's approach is to promote environmental and economic sustainability through a model that ensures natural resources are reused not wasted.

Here's a story about Orbisa who lives in Ethoipia, she has to walk 10 hours a day to find water (its going to take me nearly that long to run across Dartmoor!). In the past she could rely on water sources near her home, but due to climate change the rains are less predictable and shorter and she has to get up at 4am and walk for 5 hours there and 5 hours back to collect water for her children.

Climate change is here and it's real and our government is not doing enough despite what they tell us. So once you've sponsored me (thanks!! you're amazing!!) please join the #WaveofHope to send a message to BoJo at COP26 that we want a better future. www.tearfund.org/campaigns/reboot-campaign/wave-of-hope

Check out the gallery for a selection of my red-faced running selfies 😆