Be careful what you sign up for...

I stuck my name into the general ballot on a whim, never expecting anything to come of it… until the email landed on the 19th of June: YOU’RE IN.

That was the moment two things hit me at once:

1. This was an opportunity I couldn’t possibly turn down.

2. I now had to run 26.2 miles.

A few important facts about me:

I don’t like running, I’ve never been into running and 26.2 miles is a long way.

Training officially started on 1st December, and since then the pavements have been getting well and truly pounded. But now it really kicks on and all roads (quite literally) leading to April 26th.

So if I’m going to drag myself around London for hours, it’s going to be for a cause that genuinely matter.

Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice, are more than just medical facilities, they are a home away from home for local families facing life-limiting illnesses.

While the hospice provides expert palliative care for adults, Jigsaw offers a unique, colorful environment specifically designed for children and young adults. Their work isn't just about the end of life; it’s about quality of life.

I recently had the opportunity to be shown around Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice, and I was blown away by the atmosphere there. It isn't just a clinical building; it is a place filled with warmth, laughter, and incredible specialised care.

Seeing the peaceful adult units and the vibrant, sensory-filled rooms at Jigsaw made me realise just how vital our support is. It’s about more than just medicine, it’s about giving local families the space to be together when it matters most.