I am fundraising on behalf of the RNLI and also taking on the biggest physical challenge of my adult life.

On 25 October 2024 I got out of bed, downloaded Strava and at 07:46 I ran 2km (slowly) and returned completely done in. This was my first actual run in well over a decade.

My story starts with me being a hockey player, not just a hockey player, but a defender to boot! I didn't really run much on the pitch, and when I did, I could usually have a breather afterwards if the play was up the other end of the pitch (or if I'd let them score).

My wonderful husband Tom has picked up running since we moved to Dorset and he inspired me to try and get a bit fitter by seeing how much he enjoyed the feeling after a good run and how it helps both physically and mentally. Tom worked incredibly hard and ran the London Marathon in 2025 and I was able to join him on a couple of his training runs (possibly not quite matching his speed or distance) and I really enjoyed it. On the day of the marathon, my sister and I raced across different points along to route to cheer Tom on and, as I said on the day, I think we may have covered more ground and been more tired at the end. I was awed by the landmarks, the atmosphere, the people cheering and the general feeling of positivity on the day and I decided that I would really like to give it a go and also make a difference.

I am lucky enough to be able to support the amazing volunteers and staff of the RNLI around the UK and Ireland. The lifeboat crews who provide 24-hour search and rescue right around the coast and the lifeguards who keep watch on many of the busiest beaches in the UK and Channel Islands are all amazing people, dedicated to try and save every one they can.

I grew up spending many summers in Horton and Port Eynon and seeing the lifeboat launch on exercise, or hearing the maroons and rushing to see the boat go is such a part of my childhood. My Tom and I are lucky enough to still go there every so often and we always get a warm welcome from the crew.

I hope that by raising money for the RNLI, I can give back something more than my day to day work to keep our people safe. It will be a huge challenge for me but nothing more than our crews and lifeguards face on a daily basis when they answer the call for help.