With all this upheaval, I've had to take the difficult decision to drop out of Slough half marathon. I'm devastated not to be running, but I know it's the best decision right now. I may be down and out for now, but I'm not out for good! 

Once we're more settled I'm going to start back up running and working out, and will enter another race next year. Once I've picked one I'll update you. This time I'll take it slow and steady. 

Hope you all understand.
Jenny
xx

As you may well know if you know me, exercise is NOT my thing. I've tried and failed to develop an exercise habit, usually giving up after one run or YouTube video. But now I have something to motivate me, and the more money I can raise, the more likely I am to do this. So if you donate, not only are you supporting an amazing charity, you'll also be giving me more reasons to keep training....

I've been involved with Young Women's Trust for about 4 years now. I first heard about them when I was feeling really lost and alone. I'd just finished uni, and was set to graduate with a 2:1. However finding a grad job was proving difficult, and I was also battling with poor mental health and still reeling from the death of my Mum a year and a half before. I felt completely stuck, and I just wasn't getting anywhere with my job hunt. 

Then one day at the job centre, two women asked if I'd like to sign up to get free coaching from Young Women's Trust. It's called Work It Out, and I was assigned a coach who contacted me at a time, and via a method to suit me. My coach, Yasmin was so supportive and helpful. She spoke with me about my strengths, my struggles, and what was holding me back. After a few phone calls I felt so much more confident, positive, and ready to take my next steps. She also recommended me to become a member of the YWT Advisory Panel. This is a group of young women who have experienced low or no pay, and are using their personal experiences to shape the work Young Women's Trust do, as well as influencing policies, and gaining valuable skills and opportunities along the way. I also met other amazing young women, many of whom I now call friends. 

Through my involvement with the panel I attended meetings in parliament and government offices, went to conferences, spoke at events, and even won an award! I owe so much to the charity, and now I want to give something back.

YWT offer a lot of support to young women; both through participation opportunities like I've been involved in, and with practical support like grants and help with travel/accommodation costs to attend events. They can't continue that support without the donations they receive. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.