I'm running the London Marathon this April — 26.2 miles through the streets of one of the world's greatest cities — and I'm doing it for a cause that is very close to my heart.

I'm raising money for Once Upon a Smile, a wonderful charity that supports bereaved children and their families through one of the hardest things a young person can experience. I know how hard that can be, because I lost my own mum when I was a teenager.

Grief doesn't follow a schedule. It doesn't wait until you're old enough to handle it.

Once Upon a Smile understands that most children don't need specialised counselling — what they need is to feel safe, cared for, and to have their grief acknowledged while navigating big feelings at a pace that feels right for them. By educating children on death and dying, the charity gives them the information they need to begin processing what's happened and to grieve in a healthy way. They can't take away the pain, but they make sure children do not have to face it alone.

My legs might struggle on mile 20 — but knowing I'm running for something this important will keep me going. Your sponsorship, whatever you're able to give, will make a real difference to real families.

Please donate and help me cross that finish line for the children who need it most.

Please sponsor me if you can. No amount is too small — Thank you so much! 🧡