*Two halves make a whole, right?

This year, Julia and James are taking on the Royal Parks Half Marathon to raise vital funds for ActionAid — a global charity working across 71 countries to advance the rights of women and girls, and create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.

F.A.Q.

1. Why ActionAid?

ActionAid isn’t just about aid — it’s about shifting power. Rooted in feminist values and driven by social justice, they work alongside women, girls, grassroots movements, and communities to tackle the root causes of poverty, inequality, and violence. Their mission is to support women and girls not just to survive, but to lead, organise, and thrive.

They put the voices and priorities of women and girls at the centre of all they do, while building global solidarity and supporting feminist movements — especially those led from the Global South.

2. Hmm, ActionAid sounds familiar to me... anything else to add?

OK fine, yes - ActionAid is Julia's employer. She is very proud to be part of the ActionAid team, working hard every day to help drive real change for girls.

3. Haven't you already run a marathon?

Why yes I (Julia) have, you long-term friend/family/colleague with an incredibly good memory. But that was over 10 years ago (crickey), and since then I've had a torn ACL - so this is arguably a bigger feat than the marathon was!

James is yet to run over 10k, so more than double that will be a big achievement!

4. AOB?

Well yes, thank you for asking. For any donation of £50 or above, J&J will give you a one of a kind feminist spoon rest, made by Julia in her pottery studio.