I’m running the London Marathon 2027 for Barnardo’s 💚On Sunday 25th April 2027, I’ll be taking on the incredible On Sunday 25th April 2027, I'll be taking on the incredible challenge of running the London Marathon as part of #TeamBarnardo's.

If you know me, you'll know just how unbelievable this is... I absolutely hate running! I've always said it's one of the most pointless things ever—why would anyone voluntarily run 26.2 miles when you could be sitting with a drink, people watching instead? Yet here I am, signing myself up for the biggest running challenge of my life (well... after parenting!).

This marathon will push me physically and mentally more than anything I've ever done before. Every training run will take determination (and probably a fair bit of complaining!), but knowing that every mile is helping Barnardo's will keep me putting one foot in front of the other.

I'm running for Barnardo's because their support changed my family's life.

My daughter was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, and like so many families, we found ourselves trying to understand how best to support her through the challenges she faced, particularly with regulating her emotions and coping with everyday life.

Barnardo's came into our lives when we needed them most. They didn't just help my daughter develop practical strategies to regulate her emotions—they supported our whole family. They helped us understand autism, taught us how to support her through difficult moments, and gave us the confidence and knowledge to create a calmer, more understanding home environment.

They also gave us the confidence to speak up for our daughter and advocate for the support she needed outside of the home. They attended meetings with us, helped us navigate what often felt like an overwhelming system, and were always there as a sounding board on those days when you go home feeling like you've got everything wrong. Knowing we weren't facing it alone made all the difference.

My daughter is now nearly 14 years old and still uses many of the coping techniques Barnardo's taught her all those years ago. The support we received has had a lasting impact on our whole family, and the skills she learned continue to help her every single day. Looking back, I honestly don't know where we would be without Barnardo's.

Barnardo's does incredible work supporting children, young people and families across the UK, including here in Inverclyde. Last year alone, they reached over 350,000 children, young people, parents and carers through more than 650 services and partnerships. They provide life-changing support for children with additional needs, mental health challenges, family difficulties and so much more, helping children feel happier, healthier and more hopeful about their future.

Running the London Marathon is my way of giving something back to a charity that gave my family so much. Every training run, every blister, every early morning and every mile on marathon day is my way of saying thank you, while helping Barnardo's continue to be there for other families like ours.

This marathon isn't about running—it's about giving back to a charity that stood beside my family when we needed them most. If putting myself through 26.2 miles means another family gets the same support we did, then every single step will be worth it.

If you're able to support me, no matter how big or small your donation, I'd be incredibly grateful. Every pound raised will help Barnardo's continue changing the lives of children and families, just as they changed ours.

Thank you for supporting my journey, putting up with my inevitable moaning about training, and helping me make every mile count. 💚