In 2027, I’ll be taking on one of the biggest challenges of my life: running the London Marathon, proudly wearing the message of a charity that means more to me than words can explain — The Positivitree.

This isn’t just about running 26.2 miles. It’s about giving back to the charity that was there for me and my family during some of the darkest times in our lives, and helping ensure they can continue to be there for others who need them.

My story with Positivitree began when I needed help myself.

When my son was born prematurely, my world changed overnight. He was born prematurely, which in turn brought health conditions and developmental challenges for him, and at the same time, I had recently left the Royal Navy after 10 years of service. I was going through a divorce and unexpectedly navigating life as a single mum, all while trying to adjust to civilian life and care for a poorly newborn.

Leaving the military meant starting a completely new chapter. Without a job or another source of income, the financial pressures added to an already incredibly difficult time. My mental health was suffering, and I was trying to find my feet in a world that suddenly felt very different from the one I had known for the previous 10 years.

For anyone who has served in the military, you’ll understand how difficult that transition into civilian life can be. Add to that the challenges of becoming a single parent, caring for a premature baby and trying to manage financially, and I found myself in a really dark place.

I was trying to hold everything together for my son, often struggling far more than I let on.

That’s where Positivitree came in. 💚

They supported me not only with my mental health but also with practical help when I needed it most. This included food vouchers, basic necessities and Christmas presents for my children at a time when I was struggling to provide everything they needed.

As a mum, it’s incredibly hard to admit when you’re struggling, particularly when you feel you should be able to manage everything yourself. Positivitree helped take away some of that pressure. They offered support without judgement and reminded me that asking for help wasn’t a failure.

Their mentors listened when I needed someone to talk to and signposted me to further support when necessary. Sometimes, simply having someone who understands, who listens and who doesn’t judge can make all the difference.

And their support didn’t stop there. Over the years, including after my daughter came along, my mental health continued to have its ups and downs. Whenever I needed support, The Positivitree were there. They didn’t just help me through one difficult period; they continued to support me and my family whenever we needed them.

I’ll never forget that.

But I didn’t just want to receive their support. I wanted to give something back, so in the early days, I began volunteering with the charity, helping provide warm, nutritious meals at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for families whose children were receiving care. I also helped deliver food hampers, Christmas presents, Easter eggs and other essentials to families who needed a little extra support and I was once myself a peer mentor.

Having experienced first-hand what it’s like to be the person who needs help, I understood just how much these acts of kindness could mean. I knew the difference it could make to a family who was struggling, because I’d been that person myself. Now, I want to take that commitment one step further.

I’m running the London Marathon 2027 for the charity that helped me when I needed it most.

Training for a marathon is a huge challenge, both physically and mentally, but every mile will have a purpose. Every step will be a reminder of why I’m doing this and of the difference Positivitree can make to people and families facing difficult times.

My hope is that the money I raise will help Positivitree continue providing the emotional support, practical help and kindness that can make such a difference when life feels overwhelming. Because behind every donation is the opportunity to help someone feel less alone, to ease a family’s worries or to give someone the support they need to keep going.

If you’re able to donate, every single contribution, no matter how big or small, will mean so much to me and to the charity. You don’t need to donate a huge amount to make a difference. If you can’t donate right now, sharing my page would be just as appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for supporting my marathon journey and for helping me give something back to a charity that has given my family so much.

I’m not just running for a finish line. I’m running for every family who needs a helping hand, for everyone who has ever struggled in silence, and for the charity that reminded me I didn’t have to face everything alone.

Let’s help Positivitree continue to make a difference, one family at a time.

Every step. Every mile. Every donation. 💚🌳