Rotund, bosomy, short women are not renowned for their prowess in the running arenas of life - places that are best given a sharp swerve to preserve dignity and pride.

But, I’ve parked the broomstick, constrained ‘the girls’, dissed the couch and donned the running trotters. The New Forest 5k fundraiser for Ukraine is looming large – well, it could’ve been the marathon but let’s get real – the last running event I almost took part in was a Sunday school sports event in 1965 and I was last. No-one had explained that I was supposed to run so I didn’t – I watched all the others go then cried and was ‘encouraged’ to do the race on my own. Such fun!

Sooo, it has been ‘interesting’, gotta love a challenge. The soundtrack is now all glorious reggaeton – the first random Spotify running mix had to go, it ignited my inner Mary Whitehouse and who knew that was possible? (Duck Duck Goose / CupcakKe anyone?)

Or that I could run? A huge surprise - in a very good way.

The end goal is in sight. It’s all ‘go’ on Sunday 14 September. That little girl in the 1965 race will be thrilled to have another go and just finishing it will be a huge win. No tears this time.

Any money raised here is going to really help us at the NFFU get desperately needed supplies out to the Ukraine. The Hub is run by an extraordinary group of amazing volunteers and is the site of my foray into forklift truck driving which is obviously great fun despite the seriousness of the task at hand. It could be that I am getting more out of this than I am giving back so maybe this is an opportunity to redress the balance.

Maybe you have little time but can spare some money to help us to get relief out to the wounded, displaced and very needy.

Ukrainian people caught up in the war zone. I, we, they, thank you for any support you can give.

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