In 1996, at the age 15, I started volunteering at Challengers, a play centre for disabled children and young people. Challengers is a magical place - providing respite to families and amazing play opportunities. I spent my days in the soft play and having water fights with the young people - I don’t know who enjoyed themselves more! I formed lifelong friendships and made memories I really treasure.

That experience left me with a lifelong passion for working with young people with disabilities. One of the play leaders at the time, Paul Wilson, inspired to me to learn the guitar and start singing to an audience. 30 years on, I am now proud to be an Assistant Headteacher at an amazing special needs school 'Osborne School' in Winchester. And I'm still playing gigs and entertaining people in my spare time. It is safe to say I wouldn’t be the person I am today without Challengers.

So now it is time for me to give something back. In April, I will be running the London Marathon to raise money for Challengers. The money you (and me) will raise will be used to provide further play opportunities for young people with disabilities.