Hi everyone,

I’m only running a flippin’ marathon!

I secured entry to the 2024 London Marathon via ballot, after years of applying, when my weight was at an all time high and fitness at an all time low. Perfect.

I have thrown myself into training and gone from couch to 5K, to 10K and now 42.195K (26.2 miles). I have genuinely enjoyed the challenge of getting the running miles in so far, but it has been HARD going at times. Not least my longest run @ 18 miles from Sandbanks to Highcliffe with a few loops thrown in along the way.

This marathon may just be the only one I ever do, and feel it’s fitting to honour the challenge with some fundraising. I would love to raise some money for our local Life Saving Club (Christchurch). The club holds some special memories for our daughters; is entirely run by volunteers; and relies on fundraising for key equipment to help our mini life savers.

We have no regrets over moving our family to the coast, but we are conscious of the dangers the sea can pose. In our daughters cases, especially, how to handle epileptic seizures near or in the water.

Christchurch Life Saving Club is such a good cause.

Christchurch Life Saving Club was founded 47 years ago in 1970, and for many years after provided the sole beach lifeguard service on Friars Cliff Beach in Dorset. Since then the club has grown and developed at an incomprehensible rate to have an active membership of over 130 people, with ages ranging from 7 to 70.

The club trains the next generation of pool and beach lifeguards and provides safety and fitness training to our members of all ages. We have numerous members with pool and beach qualifications.