It means a lot to me to be running the London Marathon this April. It means even more that the route goes near Newham, home of The Magpie Project.

Just Ideas, my organisation, worked with Magpie throughout 2024 - a highlight of which was their AGM where we supported them to define their vision, mission and values.

This charity’s work has moved me so much that, for the first time in ages, I’ve decided to use the opportunity for fundraising.

The Magpie Project believe that all our children deserve to live somewhere safe, to have enough to eat, and space to play, and to be parented by connected, informed and supported parents.

Here’s why I’m running, and why giving to this charity will mean so much.

I’m running because I can. About five years ago, I had a brain haemorrhage while in the gym. I was looked after extremely well, and I’m hugely grateful that after six months recovery, I was back to full health. As you can imagine, it was a wake-up call. I know how many people with the kind of brain haemorrhage I had either die or have ongoing physical or mental limitations. I am incredibly lucky that I didn't.

The specialist nurse supporting me at the time at the John Radcliffe Hospital said something that stuck with me: “there isn't any reason why you shouldn't be able to do everything you were doing before.” It helped me focus on recovery and regaining fitness, and I felt this strong urge to carry on, and even to go beyond what I’d done before.

When I hit 50, I decided I wanted to run a marathon. Running gives me a sense of grasping the moments, not taking my body for granted. Now I'm more conscious of how my body's feeling and of not pushing too hard. I love running, and the feeling of being fit enough to run with my very active family, and explore beautiful places on foot. I’ve run the last three London Marathons and been overwhelmed by the support both for the runners and the many charities and causes they are running for.

I’ve been privileged and humbled to work alongside The Magpie Project in the past year, and I’ve decided to fundraise for them because I admire what they’re doing so much.

The Magpie Charity supports mums and pre-school children suffering in temporary or insecure accommodation in Newham. They provide practical advice and support, and they’re trying to shift policy around housing for people at the sharp end of the hostile immigration system.

I’ve been inspired by the way The Magpie Project treats each person as an individual. It’s the way I believe in working too. They support mums and children who have so much working against them, and they do what they can to bring joy, real social connection and recognition of these women’s aspirations beyond just surviving.

As a mum myself, I’m really moved by the strength and determination I see in these women, and by this charity that’s bringing such skill, energy and dedication to empowering them. We’re already starting to see progress being made, and I want to do what I can to support them.

The London Marathon route goes near Newham, where The Magpie Project is based, and the team will be coming along to support me as I run.

Please give what you can, to improve the lives of the mums and children The Magpie Project is working so hard to support!

£3.50 will pay for a mum to get to us on the bus (sometimes saving her a two hour walk).

£7 will pay for nappies and wipes to ensure a baby is comfortable and dry.

£30 will cover a lunch for everyone that comes to us in one day.

£10 per mile, or £260, could help us provide a summer sports day where minis and their mums can race around the park and may be become future marathon runners.