Hi, I’m Anna.

I’m taking part in the Paris Marathon and I’d appreciate your support.

While I’m obsessed with pizza…that’s of course not the reason I’m running.

I’m taking part for two reasons and two important causes:

• My Father, Andrey: My best friend and the strongest, most resilient man. He went from surfing in the Indian Ocean to having a heart attack a mere two weeks later – and a subsequent Triple Bypass and Stent surgery. To see someone you love go through something so painful and life altering is truly horrible. Dad, as ever took it in his stride, but to be so close to what could have been catastrophic never leaves us. His life is more complex now, but he lives for every day – and is ever thankful to those that have helped him and my family. We are too.

• My Grandmother, Nadegda: The name means ‘hope’ and that couldn’t have been truer for the kindest person I’ve ever known. Helping to raise me, she taught me a myriad of life lessons – cooking, relentless kindness, creativity and sarcasm being small examples. She unfortunately passed to cancer in 2021, but I know, she’s looking down and no doubt cracking up at the idea of me even beginning to run given I’d do anything to miss PE and spend the day baking with her instead.

So, we have two charities: British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK. Both do amazing work, and help many families go through these life-changing events. I will be self-funding all my costs, so every penny will go directly to the charities. I would really appreciate it if you can support both, but feel free to choose a cause closer to your heart.

Those that know me know that 5km is a stretch. 42.195km meanwhile is frankly horrific and I want to throw up just thinking about it.

But hopefully, my legs, determination and my running coach will be enough to get me across the line.

I know £5,000 is a significant target but I know it’s money well spent. Thank you for your kindness and generosity – whatever amount you can spare really counts.

I really appreciate the support.

Anna x