Well, I’ve gone and done it – yes I’ve signed up for the London Marathon! A little crazy I know, but at this moment I am beyond excited. I’m sure as it gets closer I shan’t be so enthusiastic – although you never know, I may thrive off all this running malarkey. Who knows?

So, why now? What’s prompted me to take on this arduous challenge? I mean it’s not like I don’t have a hectic enough life as it is – what with my 3 children, running a house, my teaching job and the juggling of activities: Beavers, Cubs, Football, gymnastics, homework, reading, spellings and the list goes on. Surely I can fit in a bit of training right?! Well actually, yes I can. When I get my trainers on and hit the road it’s ‘me’ time. I get headspace and the chance to relax from the craziness of Chez Briand. Don’t get me wrong it’s not easy this running and it’s not relaxing in the sense of my Pilates class, but I love the freedom, the fresh air on my face and of course that precious hour of just being me – reflecting and working through my thoughts. I have my best friend Carly to thank for this really. She ran the marathon this year and totally inspired me to do so. I was so proud. Another special lady also has given me the courage to do this, and she is the marathon queen herself –Jan.

But the real reason? My mom, Angela. My biggest supporter and 100% my sole motivation. She is one of the bravest, most humble and kindest people I know. Despite all of her own illnesses she is the first to drop everything and help her friends and family, even when at times she doesn’t feel wonderful. But as her disability is not visible people often forget.

16 years ago she was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, or in simple terms a brain tumour. The hideous time and heart stopping moment when we were told will be etched on my mind forever and her life changed forever. But, she came through fighting. 6 hours of major brain surgery and the loss of her hearing, but she was fighting.

The operation was just the start. Mom lost her hearing in her left ear and therefore had to re-build her life with this life changing disability. She doesn’t like thinking of herself as having a disability – but it is and it has taken its toll on her everyday life, in more ways than people can imagine. Commuting and her work was near on impossible, social situations became a tiring task. And of course the horrendous headaches she’s been left with can leave her drained. She initially lost confidence – the hearing loss affected her more than we thought. She has to think carefully about where she sits when out and about and has to concentrate on everyday tasks we take for granted far more. She can no longer work.

Action on Hearing Loss has been an incredible source of valuable information and help. This charity does some amazing work and as a family we are incredibly proud to support it. I am running to raise money for all those people who are trying to overcome the sudden loss of their hearing. This charity does some extraordinary work and the real possibility that deafness will be finally cured and eradicated is truly exciting.

During the application process, and chatting to Lindsey from the charity, we talked about all the other amazing research that they do. My eldest son, Joseph, has suffered with glue ear from the age of 4, ending up with surgery and grommets. We have annual ENT checks as his hearing fluctuates so much. He has been left with a hole in his eardrum and we are now waiting to see whether it will heal by itself, if not he will once again need surgery.

The plethora of advice on the website and Facebook page has been such a welcome to both myself and my mom. It’s reassuring to read lots of articles offering advice and support.

So please, please, please sponsor me as I take on one of the biggest physical and emotional challenges of my life. Every single contribution will spur me on. Here’s to curing deafness in the not too distant future – your donations will change lives.  

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