On 26 April 2026, I will be running, in the loosest possible sense of the word, the TCS London Marathon.

I was incredibly lucky to gain a place through the open ballot, but I feel even more fortunate knowing that I will be running for a truly special Southend based charity called Big Purple Pants.

Big Purple Pants provides vital emotional support, friendship and understanding for women living with Secondary Breast Cancer across Essex. One of the trustees, Claire, is a close friend of our family and has personally benefited from the strength, camaraderie and support this charity offers during her own journey. Seeing first hand the difference this community makes is exactly why I wanted to run for them.

I am already realising this may be the toughest thing I have ever taken on with new and recurring injuries and niggles I’m picking up during my training, clearly I should have looked after my legs better during my football playing days. But aches, pains and groans of someone knocking on 50 aside, I am fully focused on the end goal of raising as much money as possible for Big Purple Pants so they can continue supporting women when they need it most.

There is also a strong likelihood that a very large pair of purple pants will feature in my running outfit on the day, so that image alone may be worth a donation.

If you are able to support me, every pound really does make a difference. Your donation will help Big Purple Pants continue offering connection, understanding and emotional support to women living with Secondary Breast Cancer, something no one should face alone.

Thank you so much for reading, donating, sharing and virtually cheering me on, your support will spur me on during my training and the big day, even if I am limping over the finish line.

A heartfelt Big Purple Pants Thank you 💜

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.