When I hobbled to the finishing line after 5 hours and 16 minutes of soaking wet torture in Edinburgh in 2024, I swore I would never attempt another marathon. I hated it, hated every minute ... yet here we are! Then again, I also swore I would never have another baby after the traumatic arrival of Mr T, and if I hadn't changed my mind, we wouldn't be blessed with Miss M. Sometimes changing your mind is a good thing.

So bring it on, Paris: one of the biggest and most prestigious marathons in the world. What an honour to run past all those iconic landmarks in the capital city of my beloved adopted country. My goal is simply to enjoy it. I don't care how long it takes me, but I feel like I need to give another marathon a go to see if I can feel better about it than last time. And of course it's for a great cause; I'm again raising money for Alcohol Change UK.

My fundraising target is much higher than it was in 2024 because, like last time, the target represents each of my sober days up until marathon day. By 12 April 2026, I will be celebrating 1,280 continuous days of sobriety. Hand on heart, I can say that giving up alcohol is the best thing I have ever done - for me, for my family, my physical and mental health. It is a game changer.

Alcohol Change UK work for a society that is free from the harm caused by alcohol. They are not anti-alcohol; they are for alcohol change. They are for a future in which people drink as a conscious choice, not a default; where the issues which lead to alcohol problems like poverty, mental health issues, and homelessness are addressed; where those of us who drink too much, and our loved ones, have access to high-quality support whenever we need it, without shame or stigma.

So please support me and this wonderful charity by donating today.