I’ve taken on a huge challenge to run The London Landmarks Half Marathon – something that four years ago, I would never have imagined, I could do, let alone want to do. (Although I will say… my friend Kerry had a small role in convincing me!)

I’m running to raise money for Alcohol Change UK, a charity dedicated to reducing the harm caused by alcohol and supporting those affected. As this is a charity that’s close to my heart, I have taken a moment to share my story behind choosing this charity.

Any donation, big or small, would be hugely appreciated and will go towards supporting a life changing charity.

Thank you so much in advance for your kindness and support 🧡

Losing My Mum, and Finding Her Again

Growing up, I learned early that addiction doesn’t just affect the person battling it, it affects everyone who loves them too. I spent the first seventeen years of my life watching my mum battle her addiction to alcohol - one drink was too many and a thousand was never enough.

There were moments when I felt like I lost her completely. The person who was meant to protect and guide me was still there physically, but addiction created a distance I didn’t yet have the words to explain. Although, I was fortunate enough to have such a loving family who were able to protect and guide me, when my mum could not do so herself.

As a little girl, those years were confusing and painful and if the truth be told, for a long while, I missed the mum I knew she could be.

On the 12th of April 2015, (to be exact) she woke up exhausted from living this constant battle and made the incredible decision to reach out for help. She showed up. She completed her 12 steps: admitting her wrongs, apologising, and discovering a strength she didn’t even know she had. She rode through the storm and allowed herself to feel every emotion she had spent years trying to drown out.

Slowly, I began to get my mum back.

For nearly 11 years now (11 years exactly on the day of the Half Marathon), with ten of those years spent in recovery, I’ve watched my mum rebuild herself.

What she has done is not easy. Change takes courage, consistency, and strength, especially after years of struggle. But through that effort, she didn’t just fix parts of her life, she transformed it.

Ten years of choosing herself. Ten years of courage, resilience, and hard work. Ten years of proving that healing is possible.

My beautiful mum has also, been able to help and support people through their recovery, making them realise that it is truly possible to turn their life around.

Mum, you fought your way back — to us, and to yourself — and I am so incredibly proud of the woman you are.