On 12th October 2025, I will be running Oxford Half Marathon, raising funds for Oxford Children's Hospital.

My inspiration is my seven year old son, Ruairi, who last year, together with friends from his primary school, ran the Oxford School's Challenge, at the Half Marathon. This involved him running 12 miles in the lead up to the day, with the final mile, taking place at the Oxford Half Marathon. The children were cheered on by hundreds of supporters, and it was incredibly emotional to see my little boy cross the finish line with a huge smile on his face.

The emotion probably got the better of me. That same day, chatting with other mummies, we all thought "we can do that" and so signed up to run, not one mile, but 13.1 miles this year!

I started my running journey back in January 2024, on a cold winter's day, when I decided to sign up for "Couch to 5k". That first 3 minute run feels like a lifetime ago, as since then, I have found a real passion for running and try and run at least 3 times a week, in the rain, wind, blistering heat - whatever the weather throws at me! I would never have believed this time last year that I would be able to run a half marathon, but here I am, about to attempt my first one! Training is going well, and I am really excited for the challenge. To take this on with a lovely group of school mums, knowing our children will be cheering us on, is such a lovely feeling. Ruairi, and his little brother, Oscar (aged five), will also be taking part in the Oxford School's Challenge this year, so it really is a family effort! My husband, Danny, is in charge of getting a good spot to cheer us all on!

This would be motivating enough, however, I am so proud to be raising money for Oxford Children's Hospital. I am a Family Solicitor at Blake Morgan LLP in Oxford. Every two years our office supports a charity as our 'Charity of the Year'. Oxford Children's Hospital has been chosen as our charity for June 2025 to June 2027, and having already signed up for the Half Marathon, the charity was thrilled for me to support them by raising funds through my challenge.

Oxford Children's Hospital is close to my heart, and has been since 2019. My dear friend, Nicky, tragically lost her beautiful daughter, Elara, to neuroblastoma, at the age of 3 in 2021. Nicky and Elara were cared for and supported by the wonderful staff at Oxford Children's Hospital during Elara's illness. During the pandemic, with limited visitors and external support, made this devastating time even worse, and yet the Children's Hospital provided a community and supportive space for Nicky and Elara. Having told Nicky about my challenge, she is delighted that I will be raising money for this fantastic cause. I will be thinking of Elara every step of the way.

I would be incredibly grateful for any donation, and I know that every penny will go to supporting children like Elara and their families. Thank you for taking the time to read my page.

To tell you a bit more about the charity (taken from our office fundraising page):

Oxford Children’s Hospital cares for thousands of poorly children from across Oxfordshire and beyond. From tiny babies to teens – these youngsters have to cope with some of the toughest ordeals life has to offer – including cancer, meningitis, neurological conditions and major surgery. You will know some of these brave children. They live in your street, your community and go your local schools – they may even live in your home - and with your help we can make their time in hospital that bit easier.

Oxford Children’s Hospital Charity is part of Oxford Hospitals Charity. They fund specialist medical equipment that transforms care. In the last 18 months they have provided the Children’s Hospital with six pieces of state-of-the-art technology, as well as the beautiful new artwork and murals that makes it a calm and friendly environment. But there is so much more to do, and the Blake Morgan Oxford office wants to be a part of making this happen.

Oxford Hospitals Charity helps our hospitals go further – providing specialist medical equipment that stretched NHS budgets don’t allow, creating more comfortable and welcoming spaces for the most vulnerable and funding innovative research and technology that drives advances in care forward.

Oxford Hospitals Charity is able to make a real and lasting difference for the patients and staff at the Oxford Children’s Hospital, as well as the John Radcliffe, Churchill, NOC and Horton General.