I’m running 5 marathons from London to Africa, for UNICEF UK, to challenge perceptions around disability.

This year, I’m going to be running five marathons/ultramarathons for UNICEF UK. Starting in London (April) with the the world’s most iconic road race - The London Marathon, and culminating in Africa (October) with the biggest challenge of my life - a double marathon in the shadow of the Atlas mountains, through the mighty Sahara desert! 

I have a chronic neurological condition, which means that I don’t have very good control over my muscle movements, or my balance. I also have a metal rod holding my right leg together, so this really is a HUGE challenge for me, and one which will push me to the extreme, both physically and mentally. I’ve always been determined that my disability should never hold me back, and that’s the mindset I’ll be going into this with. I truly hope that through this challenge I can deliver an inspirational message of dedication, representation, inclusion and diversity, as well as triumph over adversity. I’d love for my challenge to change people’s perceptions around disability, and demonstrate how being disabled does not have be an obstacle to achieving goals, or having an impact for others around the world.

I’ve already faced many personal challenges in my life, I’m a survivor of domestic violence and I’ve battled alcohol addiction. In January of 2024 I’ll be 10 years sober, I decided I wanted to do something big to mark this occasion, which is why I’ve chosen to run across the Sahara for UNICEF 3 months prior to this date. You can’t really get much bigger than that!  The inclusive nature of the London Marathon, makes it the perfect way for me to begin my challenge. I’ve always found it awe-inspiring to watch others with disabilities take part in this phenomenal race, it’s given me the courage to think ‘I can do this’. I absolutely want to celebrate the person I am today, and recognise the struggles I’ve overcome to be here. I want to celebrate UNICEF and all the children who’ve made a huge impact in my life. In my own, small way, I want to do something that will change the world. That might sound ambitious, and I guess it is, it’s a giant leap outside my comfort zone, however, I believe that we can all make a difference on a global level, we just have to have the passion and enthusiasm to do so.

I’ve spent my entire life working and volunteering with children all over the world. I love being able to make a difference. My challenge starts in London and culminates in Africa and this is very symbolic of my work with children - I started off in London, working within a large children’s charitable social enterprise and then ventured out to Africa to volunteer there, on what would become one of numerous volunteer visits all throughout my life. Although I’ve been through many personal challenges, my work with children is something which has always been a constant, positive part of my life and I’m very grateful to all the precious babies and children who’ve helped pull me through my struggles. I like to think that we helped each other, without even knowing it. 

On my last visit to Africa, I fought to provide life-saving hospital care to a baby boy in Kenya. I made a promise to this little boy, that I’d do my best to fight for medical care for every baby, the way I’d fought for him. I feel a very strong connection with him, as we’ve both triumphed over different forms of adversity. His poignant story changed my life and ultimately led me to start volunteering with UNICEF, so as I could keep my promise to him and to every child in danger. I’ve set my fundraising target at £6500, as with this amount, UNICEF could provide a neonatal incubator to a special care baby unit. This target is very close to my heart, as a neonatal incubator saved the life of this beautiful little boy, who in turn changed the course of mine. A neonatal incubator could save hundreds of babies every year. It would be absolutely wonderful to raise this amount, in honour of this precious child, so as UNICEF can continue their amazing, life-saving work.