I’m incredibly proud to be running the 2027 London Marathon for Team parkrun.

parkrun has become a huge part of my life over the years, both as a runner and as a volunteer. It has given me far more than I ever expected, and it has meant a great deal to me through some important moments in my life.

After going through a period that had a significant impact on me, I found my way back to parkrun. Nobody there knew what I had been through, and they didn’t need to. I could simply turn up, see familiar faces, be welcomed, run alongside everyone else and just be another parkrunner.

That might sound like something quite small, but for me it wasn’t. Having somewhere to go each Saturday, knowing there would be people there and being part of something gave me a sense of routine, normality, confidence and belonging when I really needed it. Sometimes I left feeling a little more like myself than when I arrived.

It also made me realise just how much parkrun can mean to people in ways we might never see. The person standing next to you could be struggling with their mental health, having a difficult time at home, or simply having a week where they needed somewhere to feel welcome. They don’t need to tell you their story. A smile, a “morning”, running alongside someone for 5K, volunteering or simply being part of the community can make more difference than we realise.

That is what parkrun did for me.

Being given the opportunity to run the London Marathon for parkrun feels like a brilliant chance to give something back. I’m aiming to raise £3,000 to help ensure that free, welcoming events continue to be available to communities across the country.

I’ll never know exactly where the money I raise ends up or whose life it might touch, but I like the idea that through my efforts, I can pay forward some of what parkrun gave me. If it helps someone else find that same sense of community, routine, confidence or belonging when they need it, that would mean a huge amount to me.

Please consider making a donation if you are able, and if you cannot donate, sharing my page would mean a great deal.

Thank you for your kindness and support.