Hey! I got a community place at the Big Half through Parkrun, where I volunteer. I haven’t done any distance running since 2016 when I did the London marathon. I was knocked back to square one by ME (a chronic fatigue condition) which I’m mostly recovered from but still have to manage.

I’m running the Big Half to raise funds for a brilliant charity called Pregnant Then Screwed. I had Kiran last year, it’s been amazing, but it’s made me acutely aware of how our society lets down parents, carers and children.

If you choose to stay at home, you’re vilified. If you go back to work too soon you’re judged. Our choices are limited by the ridiculous cost of childcare or whether we have family who can help (and can do that unpaid labour!). Our own wants and needs as parents seem bottom of the priority list.

The system is rigged! Well, actually the system works exactly as it’s meant to - to take away our choices and power. That’s patriarchy for you.

Pregnant then Screwed exist to right patriarchal wrongs by campaigning for:

- enhanced maternity provision across the board

- minimum of 6 weeks paternity leave

- equitable leave provision for those adopting and fostering children

- better leave provision and employment support for those experiencing baby and child loss

- fully reform our childcare system

- fight pregnancy and parental leave discrimination cases in the courts

Thank you for supporting this important work!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.