Apparently, at 61, sensible people take up gentle gardening.

I’ve chosen the Edinburgh Marathon on 24th May instead — because I clearly enjoy making life harder for myself on purpose… and clearly I’m someone who sometimes says “yes” before fully thinking things through.

I’m fundraising for South East & Central Essex (SECE) Mind, where I’m proud to be a trustee. SECE Mind’s work matters because— it’s practical, local, and community-based support that helps people feel safer, steadier, and less alone. It’s about early help, connection, and making support easier to access before things reach crisis point.

This is also personal. During breast cancer treatment back in 2013, I experienced intense anxiety and depression — including moments where it genuinely felt like not being here was the only way out. That was during treatment, not now, but I will never forget how frightening and isolating that place can be — and how vital it is that people can access real support when they need it.

Mental health has shaped my family story too. My dad lives with bipolar disorder, but it was undiagnosed until much later in life — and when a condition goes unnamed and unsupported, the impact doesn’t sit neatly with one person. It ripples through relationships, confidence, stability, and the whole family system.

Now for the honest bit: I’m doing this while battling my own very familiar gremlins — am I too old? am I fit enough? what if I can’t do it? And that’s exactly why this quote keeps coming back to me:

"Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” — Suzy Kassem

So yes, I’ll be out there doing 26.2 miles — not just for the challenge, but as a reminder (to me, and maybe to anyone reading) that we don’t have to be fearless to do hard things. And because I want to support SECE Mind to keep delivering the work that genuinely changes lives.

If you’re able to donate, thank you. Every contribution helps SECE Mind continue to be there for people — with the right support, at the right time.