6 years ago I completed a half marathon & swore I would never run any further! However last summer after 12 years of teaching I handed in my notice to take a small career break, a huge decision to leave a job I loved, but family life needed rebalancing... and so when I handed in my letter of resignation, I also entered the London marathon ballot, ( on a bit of a whim), and so, here I am six months later after receiving a place, in full swing with my training programme!!

Although receiving my place through the ballot, I knew I wanted to run for a charity, and for those that know me and my family well, will know there are a few charities close to our hearts I could have chosen. I wanted to choose a charity that supported all the fantastic extra work that goes on in the teaching profession, and among school communities, whilst also having a significant personal connection.

PAPYRUS, is the charity I will be running for, it is the national Charity for the Prevention of Young Suicide.

Unfortunately at the young age of 21 we lost Bert's childhood best friend Jack to suicide. There aren't really any words to explain the tragedy that surrounds suicide and loosing a young person.

It would be amiss of me to continue without mentioning Bert's older brother Harry, who we tragically lost 4 years prior to Jack from Malaria. Loosing two loved ones at such a young age really shapes you as a person and your perspective on life. It definitely had a profound influence on the way I engage with young people, particularly as a teacher and a parent.

In the last few years of my teaching I found myself leading on PSHRE, a subject which historiclly has not held much value. I was determined to make this seen as the most important subject for our young people, with highly important topics such as mental health and wellbeing. I was so privileged that these young people trusted me, asked questions, felt safe enough to share their thoughts, ambitions, concerns and worries. These discussions were invaluable to them as young people and me as an adult in the profession.

Schools are such an amazing place for young people, the support beyond the curriculum, the access to outside agencies, the different layers of teams which create strong pastoral care are incredible for young people growing up in todays society. But, schools are so stretched financially, and often rely on staffs good will to provide the required support which is truly needed.

Charities like PAPYRUS support school curriculums with specialist resources and as an area of invaluable signposting.

Unfortunately Jack is not the only young person I have known to have lost their life to suicide.

And so for Jack, Elliot and Matthew and for all those who have lost a young person, have needed support for a young persons mental health and all the schools who deliver passionate PSHRE programmes, I will be running the marathon in aid of PAPYRUS.

Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under the age of 35 in the UK, every year over 1800 young people took their own lives. PAPYRUS provides confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through their helpline, HOPELINE247.

Every £5 raised can contribute towards a life-saving contact to HOPELINE247. Your donations really are lifesaving, thank you.