In July 2025, I will be taking on the epic challenge of running 100km in one go in the Race to the Stones, and I'm fundraising for Barts Charity to support the children's services at the amazing hospitals of Barts Health NHS Trust (The Royal London, Whipps Cross and Newham)

My Running Journey

I was really not into exercise until I hit 30 and I definitely didn't like running!. Now at 47, (slow) running has become an unexpected passion. I only started in the spring of 2023, enjoying runs in nature and discovering the friendly trail running community.

Before 2023, I had never run more than 10km. Then, I heard about ultra-marathons—affectionately known as "moving picnics"—and was hooked on the idea. Race to the Stones follows the ancient path of the Ridgeway, leading to the standing stones in Avebury, in Wiltshire—where I was born. This means I’ll quite literally be running home!

Having trained for & ran my first marathon in April 2024 I took on my first 50km ultra last July. Though I could barely walk for days afterward, I knew 100km was within reach. After much deliberation (and a lot of self-doubt), I officially signed up in October, and training began in earnest. Now, I'm over two thirds of the way into my training and more determined than ever.

Why I’m Running for Barts Charity

Running has given me community, a mental escape and a huge sense of accomplishment. As someone who definitely never saw herself as athletic, pushing my physical limits has been incredibly rewarding. But while I chose this challenge, the children and families I work with in the children's hospital don’t have that choice.

Every day, they face the challenges of their conditions—enduring medicines, injections, tube feeds, physiotherapy, and endless hospital visits—all while trying to live a happy and fulfilling life. Hospital stays disrupt education, social life, and family routines, adding financial burdens due to travel and time off work.

The children of East London face some of the greatest health inequalities, and the dedicated staff at the children’s hospital work tirelessly to give them the best care possible. Barts Charity plays a vital role in supporting this work—funding research, improving patient care, and looking after the wellbeing of healthcare staff.

How You Can Help

Your donation will make a real difference in the lives of these children and their families. Every pound raised will help fund services, research, and support that go beyond what the NHS can provide.

I’m running 100km in one go. That’s going to be up to 24 hours on my feet, through hills, heat and exhaustion. But no matter how tough it gets, it’s nothing compared to what these kids face every day.

Please support me on this journey and help make a difference. Every donation counts!