On 29 December 2020, my mum's life changed completely when she had a brain aneurysm. She was one of the lucky ones – she survived with only a slight brain injury, probably because she was found quickly, scanned without delay, and operated on that same day.

Mum went along to an evening meet facilitated by Headway for people with a brain injury. She learned things that helped her and met people who weren't as lucky. As she puts it, "We come in all shapes and sizes, with varying degrees of disability and we share our thoughts and feelings in a safe place."

Every 90 seconds, someone is admitted to a UK hospital with a brain injury. Whether because of head injury, tumour, stroke, haemorrhage or neurological infection, the effects can be life-changing and life-long. That's why expert help is vital.

So I'm taking on the London to Brighton 100k – yes, that's 62 miles of running from the capital to the south coast in May. And just to make things interesting, I'm also running my first ever marathon in April as a warm-up. It's going to be a massive challenge, but nothing compared to what brain injury survivors and their families go through every day.

I'm doing this to raise funds for Headway UK and Headway Sussex – the National and local branches of the brain injury association that's been there for my mum and countless others. They provide information, support and services to people with a brain injury, their families and carers, treating people with respect and empathy, providing choice and opportunity, and empowering people to achieve optimum independence.

I'd be really grateful if you'd sponsor me.