"I've signed up for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival 10K on 23rd May.

That's a scary thought. I don't run! Or thought I didn't. However Rachel, friend and founder of Menopause Cafe, decided she was going to run 10K to raise funds for Menopause Cafe and was looking for women to join her. In a rash of enthusiasm I agreed!

I've never done anything like this. It will be hard. I'm still working up to 5K. 10k seems a long way off! I'm going to need your encouragement to get out running, especially on dreich, wet Scottish days (see photos - at least my running companion loves it!). But I'm committed to doing this because I know something of the roller-coaster that is menopause, and because I believe in the incredible work of this charity to encourage and normalise conversation around menopause.

Menopause Cafe works to reduce the ignorance and shame which, sadly, still surround menopause. The charity supports pop-up menopause discussion groups worldwide: in workplace and in the community, hosted for free, online or in person.

We will be also showing that:

* menopausal women can still be active and challenge themselves physically

* men can be great supporters and allies

It costs £20,000 a year to keep Menopause Cafe charity going. I hope to raise £500, hopefully more with your generosity.

Please support me as I aim to run this 10K at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival on May 23rd. Why not come and cheer Rachel and me on or, even better, join us running?!