Why am I Running a Marathon?

Because I'm mad! No seriously, when I re-started running in 2021, after many years, I never dreamed I'd go on to running 10K races and Half Marathons. Running a marathon is a challenge that I never thought I'd be able to achieve, but it is a challenge that I am going to throw my all into.

There will be many early mornings, many wet and cold runs, but hopefully I will be marathon ready in time for April 2025!

Why Switchboard?

When my mental health was low, and the world was caving in, when I thought being gay would disgrace me and was wrong, when coming out scared me and I thought it would alienate me from the world, when I nearly did something stupid, Switchboard was there to save me.

In 2023 Switchboard volunteers handled nearly 15,000 calls over across phone, chat and email, how amazing is that! Every donation you make will not only enable them to continue to provide a much-needed helpline to the LGBTQ+ community, it will inspire me to work hard, to get out there, and run.

About Switchboard

Switchboard the LGBT+ Helpline is a confidential helpline open to the LGBTQ+ communities and beyond, for anyone who wants to talk about gender identity, sexuality, sexual health and emotional wellbeing. We operate a telephone line, instant messaging and email service from 10am to 10pm, 365 days a year.

It's so critical that we talk about mental health, tackle stigmas and work to reduce levels of loneliness across the LGBTQ+ communities now more than ever. These are some of the many reasons that Switchboard exists and has done since 1974.