Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

To start, I am not a runner! But I hit a certain age and felt like I needed to do something for myself. So I joined a gym and started lifting weights. But a few months in, decided that I really needed to improve my Cardio fitness as well. So I downloaded the Couchto5k app, and that's where my running journey began. I realised that I was really enjoying it and could feel myself getting fitter which was my reason for doing it.

At the same time, a local charity put out a flyer for runners to raise money for them. MyOTAS. My Own Time and Space. A parent-led charity based in Wickford, Essex, dedicated to improving outcomes for neurodivergent children and young people, and their families. Founded in 2019, they create safe, accessible and inclusive informed spaces where individuals feel accepted, understood, and empowered. A defining characteristic of MyOTAS is that the entire team is comprised of parents of neurodivergent children.

My 9-year old son is diagnosed with ADHD, and without the support of MyOTAS, I would never have been able to get the support and help we now have for him. From the workshop to help write his EHCP, to the relaxing YOGA sessions, and the coffee mornings they offer just to chat with other parents with neurodivergent children. They have given us so much insight and opened pathways for our family.

So with my new found love for running, and the chance to raise money for such a great cause, I decided to give myself a real personal goal and signed up for the Brentwood Half Marathon in March 2027.

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.