I’m excited to be tackling the 10in10 in 2026. Brathay’s work with young people in Cumbria is close to my heart and I want to be able to make a contribution to their life changing work. I turned 40 last year and would love to celebrate this by giving back to connect more young people with their own potential and the outdoors.

I grew up in Ulverston, having moved from the northeast during primary school. I have the classic backstory of hating PE at school, finishing at the back in cross-country and hating every minute despite feeling like I was giving it a good go. Now it’s running I look forward to the most when I’m back home, whether that’s at Fell Foot parkrun or a bimble over Birkrigg.

As an adult, I began running with no confidence at all - exercise felt so hard! It took a few false starts and shorter races to get going, but I eventually completed my first marathon in London in 2016 and my first middle-distance triathlon in 2017. I ran my fastest times in early 2018 but that autumn I faced a period of depression and had to rebuild from feeling unable to get off the sofa to moving my body again. Being outdoors, whether running or swimming, has been a lifeline. After this breakdown in 2018, I worked my way back with the support of my fantastic family and friends, completing an ironman distance triathlon four years later.

Brathay’s commitment to empowering and supporting young people through personal development, education, and community engagement is incredibly valuable. It’s an honour to run in support of a charity that’s making such a meaningful difference in the lives of those growing up in this amazing place.