Hey, I’m Lucy and this Spring I will be running the London Marathon in aid of St John Ambulance.

Like many others, I started running in lockdown. Due to my type of character and the lack of routine of school; from the start of lockdown I experienced severe anxiety and also got into bad habits as a form of “control”. When getting better I realised that running was a much healthier way for me of taking back some control in a time that felt so uncontrollable, whilst also giving me a sense of pride and achievement.

Joining St John Ambulance as a cadet when I was 14 helped raise my confidence, making it an easy choice to run for them as my charity. When I first started I was so shy and probably wouldn’t have said boo to a goose, but I left being able to talk to absolutely anyone whether they chatted back or not! Volunteering at events gave me so many incredible experiences (like who doesn’t want to see concerts behind the scenes?!) but also life changing and saving skills that helped me to become a better, more well-rounded person. Raising money for St John will help not only the people they care for and treat, but also provide money to the cadet units so that more young people like me can experience what they have to give!

Finally, I chose to run the London Marathon as after running a few half marathons I need a bigger challenge to work towards. I also think saying “I’ve ran the London Marathon” has a nice ring to it!