I have always wanted the opportunity to run a marathon, and this year I am incredibly excited (and slightly terrified) to be participating in the London Marathon to raise money for a wonderful charity - YMCA.

While they might be a household name for most, the true scale and breadth of the young lives they impact may be less well known.

In 2020 my dad began working with the charity, and since then I have heard first-hand about many of the initiatives and opportunities they provide that help change young lives. At its core, YMCA exist to provide the essential building blocks for a full and rewarding life: a safe home; acceptance; guidance; friendship; physical and mental health; academic support; employment skills; and access to real opportunities.

I have been fortunate enough to benefit from all of the above, thanks to the love and support of my family and friends, but so many young people have never experienced them; other people have lost one or more of these things as they grew up, but we all need them to live happy and fulfilled lives! This is a chance to help support those who haven’t been so fortunate.

YMCA provides these critical foundations for a fresh, strong start for young people and a better quality of life in the community.

Please help me raise money for this great cause!