🏃‍♀️ I’m running the London Marathon on 26 April 2026 —raising funds for parkrun Global and celebrating 10 years of my parkrun journey 💚

What is parkrun?

parkrun is a free, weekly event where anyone can walk, jog, run, volunteer or cheer. It’s about community, not competition — and is an amazing force for good in encouraging participation in an active lifestyle.

My parkrun milestones

Since 2016, parkrun has kept me active and motivated through milestones and challenges, even when exercise wasn't exactly top of my priority list:

✅ 50 parkruns by 40

🏃‍♀️ 250 by 50 (I’m on my way)

🔤 Completing the alphabet (looking forward to Z in Holland!!!)

It’s a family affair

👵 My 78-year-old mum just breezed past her 50th parkrun — epitomising what's great about parkrun. Having plucked up the courage to go for the first time, she now walk/jogs nearly every week.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 My family (brothers/sister/nephews/niece/sons) have clocked up 1,600+ parkruns (and 400+ junior runs!) 🏅

🏖 Even my in-laws join in on holiday!

🎯 It’s such a great format for families of all abilities to join in together.

Why parkrun matters

Hazlehead, my local parkrun, shows how inclusive parkrun is by actively encouraging parkwalking and having plenty of parkwalking volunteers each week, as well as the speed demons and everyone in between. As founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt says, we should celebrate that the average finish time is getting slower - it means parkrun is reaching those who need more encouragement to take those first steps. Brilliant! The simple, repeatable format means you can turn up at any location, know what to expect, and feel welcome and included.

Why fundraise?

Many people don’t realise parkrun is a charity - it's free to take part, but not free to put on. Donations and partnerships keep events going, support volunteers, and bring parkrun to new communities. It’s even prescribed by the NHS for health and wellbeing. That’s because it isn’t just about running — it’s about tackling isolation, boosting mental health, and helping people of all ages and abilities get moving in a safe, supportive environment

My challenge

Two years ago, I somehow became a “runner” as well as a parkrunner, prompted by some difficulties with anxiety — and it’s done wonders for my fitness, confidence, and particularly my mental wellbeing. But this marathon is a huge challenge: I’ve never run 26.2 miles and I’m coming back from injury — but I’m determined to make that start line for a cause that means so much to me.

💚 Please donate if you can — every pound helps parkrun make the world healthier and happier. And thanks to bp, your donation will be matched!