This year, I wanted to give myself my biggest physical and psychological challenge yet and run 100km for charity!

I have chosen 'The Race to the Stones', an incredible test of endurance and determination, along the ancient Ridgeway, racing towards the 5000-year-old Avebury Standing Stones, held on 12-13th July.

For those of you who have followed my journey over the last couple of years, you will know that this time 2 years ago I was considering whether I'd need a wheelchair as my mobility was so limited and my mental and physical health were only seeming to get worse. The last year especially has seen my physical health go through what could look like a miraculous transformation and through a lot of effort and determination, whilst dealing with a very difficult couple of years emotionally and mentally, I have got to the point where I can now call myself a RUNNER.

I completed the Oxford Half Marathon last October in under 2hrs 30, and I won the 'Most Inspirational Participant' at a running event last June where I managed a distance of 1.5 marathons (about 40miles) in a 24hr event, despite my health conditions and the fact that less than a year before I could barely walk a significant distance, let alone run! So this year, I thought I'd challenge the impossible again and conquer 100k!!

Throughout this time (and for many years) I have been dealing with several debilitating chronic conditions. These include Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, as well as the neurological conditions Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Functional Neurological Syndrome. I was also diagnosed with ADHD in February 2023, a diagnosis that gave me renewed energy to try and figure out the best way forward for my health, and I started to understand how chronic burnout and psychological distress (that sadly many neurodivergent people experience) were exacerbating my physical symptoms.

As I have started to experience such a positive change in myself, I wanted to do something to support a charity that helped people with similar conditions. I also wanted to fully push myself out of my comfort zone and do something BIG, as a beacon of hope and inspiration to those affected by similar conditions to me and to raise as much awareness (and money!) as possible!

The Brain Charity is an excellent charity that helps people affected by all forms of neurological condition to lead longer, healthier, happier lives.

There are more than 600 conditions affecting the brain, spine and nervous system and the Brain Charity is only charity in the UK to support every single one.

Each year, they provide practical help, emotional support, and social activities to thousands of people from all over the UK and their family, friends, and carers.

They champion neurodiversity and fight for an inclusive and just society, free of stigma, hardship and isolation.