I have decided to step off the fence and out of my comfort zone.

For those of you that have known me over the years whether that be family, through school, social groups or work, you will know that I have rarely spoken out on the issue of diversity and race.

All those mentioned above have allowed me to live a life, where I have felt accepted, encouraged, befriended and loved and for this I am eternally grateful.

On the rare occasion people have made an issue of the colour of my skin, friends and family have created a protective bubble and dealt swiftly with the perpetrators. Unfortunately this has not been the case for many of those that came before and indeed many people of colour today.

I am very proud and privileged to have been offered the opportunity to run the London Marathon on behalf of the Black Trail Runners.

As a community group Black Trail Runners recognise the amazing benefits running can have for a person, whether that is as a way to improve ones physical health, ones mental health, improving self-esteem or self-worth.

Black Trail Runners want to improve the diversity in UK trail running in particular increase black participation so all have the opportunity to feel safe, represented and enriched by this sport.

Those of you in a position to financially support me please be as generous as you can. I need your help to reach my goal to raise £500 for Black Trail Runners before the marathon on April 21st, 2024.

All messages of goodwill will be gratefully received.