I'm doing the Reading half marathon for a couple of reasons. One for myself - I had a slipped disc in my back about 18 months ago which pushed on the nerve in one of my legs. I had a constant numb leg, it hurt to stand up for more than 5 minutes, I was in pain most of the time and couldn't really do any exercise. A year ago I had a steroid injection in my spine which has 90% fixed it. I was desperate to get back to running and in summer 2024 I started from scratch to get my back used to it again, it's been a hard journey but so far so good so I want to just keep on pushing myself.

I wanted to run the Reading half as it's my hometown and to be able to give back to a brilliant charity.

I've chosen to run for Sue Ryder charity as a few years ago my best friend's dad Hing was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. He very sadly passed away in September 2023 and Sue Ryder gave him some amazing care and support to the whole family and cared for him in their Duchess of Kent hospice (which I'll actually run past as well). He was such a lovely, kind and giving man and I know he is so greatly missed, and he was also a keen runner so this one's for you Hing.

So please any sponsors you can give would be so greatly appreciated to help other families in similar situations.

P.S. Cinny, you best be waiting for me at the end with a gin 😉