Hello reader!

Here's the thing, I am, in no way, a runner. If you know me, you know I'm about as athletically inclined as house plant. My Ehlers Danlos Syndrome means my connective tissues are less 'connected' and more 'casually acquainted'. Imagine IKEA furniture assembled without the instructions. Wobbly. Creaky. Your not quite sure if they will all hold together.

Running? A terrible idea. A truly spectacularly terrible idea. But my brain? My brain is a rouge hamster in a wheel. Loves a challenge. Delights in the dopamine rush of the impossible!

Plus I'm extraordinarily stubborn so once an idea gets into my head (usually a terrible one), I'll pigheadedly see it through to the end!

So, naturally, I've decided to run the Landmarks of London Half Marathon on 6th April 2025. Because moderation is for quitters, right? I'm doing this to raise money for UK Infantile Spasms Trust (UKIST) – the only charity in the UK or indeed Europe dedicated to supporting families affected by infantile spasms.

This is a cause very very close to my heart. My son, Noah, experienced infantile spasms as a baby. Epilepsy followed. This completely changed our lives. It's a club nobody wants to join, but UKIST are there handing out virtual (and sometimes literal) hugs, helping families navigate the choppy seas of unknown in every IS diagnosis.

Since Noah's diagnosis I've joined UKIST as a trustee and poured my heart and soul (and what little sanity I had left) into it. It's impossible to fully describe what a magical organisation UKIST is - a lifeline for those navigating this rare and complex condition. The achievements the charity have made in their 8 short years will have huge impact for current and future generations affected by IS. This important work has been achieved with no paid staff; just a bunch of passionate women determined to make a positive difference. (We're basically superheroes 💁‍♀️#humblebrag.)

After some rough patches of my own physical and mental health since Noah's birth, I started the couch to 5K challenge last summer. 'Me time' I called it. It was mostly 'hobbling and wincing time' if I'm honest. Then because I clearly have a penchant for self-inflicted suffering, I thought "hey let's take that 5K, double it, and then add another 10 for good measure". Regret? Maybe just a tad.😅😅😅

My training has been...let's call it "character building." My EDS means I'm basically made out of paper mache and copium - I'm injury-prone. Posterior Tibial Tendon? Damaged. Tibia? Fractured. Toenails? Falling off. Arthritis in my feet? Oh why not? Go big or go home, eh? Despite these setbacks, I'm determined to cross that finish line on the 6th April even if I have to crawl.

I'm aiming to raise £1,750 – enough to fund the UKIST Family Fun Day and residential weekend at the Children's Adventure Farm Trust. I organise this event every year. It's magical. It gives families affected by infantile spasms a chance to connect, support each other, and make some happy memories.

Every penny you can spare will help make this happen. So, if you can, please sponsor me on this (probably disastrous) decent into madness. It would really help me complete this ridiculous challenge, and of course help the families UKIST supports! And if you can't donate, please send chocolate and an ice pack. Lots and lots of chocolate. I'm going to need it. And maybe a new pair of feet....

PS if you'd like a real laugh (at my expense) check out my Strava for my pitiful training so far. My 38 min 5K PB, a thing of beauty (or pity perhaps). Wish me Luck! 🙏