Over the past decade of living around the world I have come to realise that I love racing. Especially if it involves running. I love pushing myself, testing PBs and aiming for podiums (at least where it’s not completely beyond the realm of possibility). And I have been very fortunate to be in a position to indulge my passion, ticking off 25 marathons, four full IronMan races, various ultras, world championships and other somewhat idiosyncratic (or down right idiotic) challenges. Yet it is quite rare for me to take part in an event where I have no idea whether or not I’ll even finish. I therefore decided to apply for the Grand Union Canal Race, a race the scale of which would make me feel properly justified to raise money for an excellent cause.

The GUCR is regarded by many as Britain’s premier ultra marathon and is a 145-mile continuous race from London to Birmingham, running entirely on the waymarked Grand Union Canal Towpath. Not only is this by far the longest I will ever have run in one go, it is quite frankly a ridiculous distance. I am using it as an opportunity to raise funds for Home-Start Southwark, an extremely worthwhile cause with which my family has been involved for a long time (my father having co-founded it).

Home-Start Southwark provides high quality support for families in Southwark and Lewisham, believing that the earliest years make the biggest impact, and making sure those years count so that no child’s future is limited.

Most parents would agree that being a parent, wherever you live, whatever your circumstances, isn’t always easy. Combine that with additional pressures such as illness or financial worries, and without the support of family and friends, the pressures can seem overwhelming. Home-Start Southwark's approach is simple, but it works! They provide trained volunteers to help any parent, with at least one child under five, who is finding it hard to cope.

I last fundraised for Home-Start Southwark in 2012 for a John O’Groats to Lands End cycle ride, and I’m looking to surpass that this time round. Home-Start Southwark will be extremely grateful for any amount that you could provide, and it certainly will give me a boost when I stumble over the marathon 3 marker…. and still have 2 and a half marathons to go!