In just a few days, I’ll be standing on the start line of the North Devon Half Marathon something I’ve spent the last three months training for. It still feels a bit surreal to say that out loud, but here we are.

Since moving back home in 2019, the idea of doing this half marathon has always sat quietly at the back of my mind. It’s known for being a brutal course, but something about it kept pulling at me. Life with young children doesn't exactly lend itself to marathon prep and truthfully, the drive wasn’t quite there. But this year, everything lined up. The time felt right, and more importantly, so did I.

What gave me the final push wasn’t fitness or opportunity; it was something far more personal. I’m running this marathon for my dad, Jon Richards. In 2021, North Devon Hospice cared for him in his final days. They offered comfort and support when it really mattered. They were there not just for him, but for all of us, offering comfort, compassion, and calm in the middle of chaos. Their care gave us peace when we needed it most, and I’ll never forget that.

So when I finally committed to the marathon, it wasn’t just about ticking off a goal. It was about doing something meaningful in his memory. Running for the hospice that helped us in our darkest days felt like the most fitting tribute I could give.

My dad wasn’t a runner, but he was one of the strongest people I knew, physically and mentally. He and my mum owned and ran Woolacombe Sands Holiday Park, and his whole life was built on hard work. That quiet grit and resilience shaped who I am. He wasn’t the emotional type, but I know he’d be quietly proud and probably having a chuckle at the thought of me voluntarily running 21 kilometres.

My kids have also been a huge part of this journey. I want them to see that you don’t have to give up on big goals just because life is busy. That consistency matters more than motivation. That even when things get tough, you can still push through and finish what you started.

Training has had its tough days, but I’ve grown to love the long runs. They’ve given me space to think, to breathe, to reset. In a house full of noise and activity, that quiet time has been surprisingly valuable.

As for race day? I’m nervous. I’m excited. But mostly, I’m ready. I’m looking forward to the finish line, not just for the medal, but for what it represents. The training, the grit, the reason behind it. And then? It’s straight back to real life, walking home with the kids and heading off to a swimming gala. Life as usual. But I’ll keep running.

Please consider dotating, if you can. Its for such a great cause.

Jodie XXX