Firstly, this was not my idea.

I was in the pub, happily enjoying some pizza and wine, when Andy turned to me and said, “I’ve signed you up to the Great North Run.”

There was one redeeming factor: he signed me up to run for Cats Protection. And that made all the difference.

Because if there’s one thing that makes me happy (besides Cadbury’s Crème eggs and complaining about running), it’s cats. Running and cats: not a classic combo, but somehow here we are.

Cats have been a constant presence in my life — through the chaos, the calm, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. They’ve brought me comfort, joy, distraction, companionship, and fur on literally everything I own.

So now I’m running a half marathon (willingly-ish) to give a little something back to the companions that have given me so much.

I know animals aren’t everyone’s top priority — but maybe they should be a little higher up the list. We humans like to think we own the earth, but we forget how much we owe to the creatures we share it with. They ask for so little, and give us so much in return.

So if you can spare a few pounds, please consider donating to Cats Protection. You’ll be supporting a charity that helps give cats the love, care, and second chances they deserve. And you’ll also be helping me justify all this unexpected cardio.

Thank you — from me, and the cats. 🐾