Well, where do I start?

I turned 40 in June 2024 and at that point, following a particularly difficult time in my life, my physical and mental health was pretty much in the gutter. I knew I needed to make some big changes and so, I made a big commitment to myself that I would spend the next year focussed on turning things around.

And what a year it has (almost) been. 10 months later and I have bought and renovated my lovely home, secured a new job, begun a new relationship, lost nearly 6 stone, completed Couch to 5K and now regularly run, bought a new bike and got back into road cycling, started swimming lessons to learn front crawl... and signed up to do a sprint triathlon because, why not?!!

I needed a fitness goal to keep me focussed and on Sunday 6th July, I will be taking part in the Deva Diva's Sprint Triathlon - 750m open water swim, 25km road race and a 5km run to finish off. To even take part in this event is CRAZY for me but I intend to give it my absolute all to hopefully complete the event in less than 2 hours. Gulp!

So, why the fundraising for Parkinson's UK?! When I was at my lowest point last year, I sought sanctuary at the Big Sky Hideaway, the beautiful home of Dave and Emma Cornthwaite who run a wonderful, sustainable off-grid glamping site there in Lincolnshire. Dave and Ems have become very special friends of mine over the past few years and their love, warmth and amazing hugs got me through some difficult days last year (love you guys!!).

But Ems had her own challenges last year and on her 37th birthday received the news that she has young-onset Parkinson's disease. Understandably, this has been a big shock and Dave and Ems are still processing the news, with a lot of uncertainty about what it means longer term. They are two of the kindest, most positive and inspiring people I know and I suppose I just wanted to do this to show my support and give something back to a charity which has, and continues to offer Ems a huge amount of support.

This event is filled with emotion, determination, passion and positivity. This is not going to be an easy challenge for me by any stretch of the imagination and I only hope I can do it justice. And Ems, I'll be thinking of you every step of the way (and every swim stroke and turn of the legs I guess!!!).

So please dig deep and show your support - it would mean a lot and will definitely keep me going as the training continues to ramp up and on the day when I need to dig deep and get myself over that finish line! xxx