Last year the week before my birthday, I decided to start Couch to 5k - a way of beginning a new year with a target.

At the same time ever so lovely housemates had just signed up for the Rome Marathon. As the walks turned into runs, and the runs turned into actively enjoying running laps around the same park over and over I decided that 22 weeks would be the perfect time to do something really ridiculous. So I signed up to join them in running the Rome Marathon. With mixed levels of training, and successful runs, I managed a half marathon in January and I am now three weeks out (and utterly terrified!) - but maybe almost actually prepared enough to not collapse in the process?

I thought if I am going to do this I might as well end up actually doing it for a good cause, because at this point the running is not going to be the fun bit. (See: big bowls of pasta + lots and lots of Aperol after)

There is no better cause than for a wonderful charity that has helped my Grandparents over the past few years.

My Grandma was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2020. She lives a wonderfully full and magical life with my Granda up in the far reaches of North England, where they have an incredible support system from friends, family and their community. Parkinson's UK have been a supporting charity for both of them since the early days of her diagnosis. They are advocates for those with Parkinson's, in supporting their day to day lives but also helping in the research and development of new treatment and healthcare systems.

26 miles for 26 years! Let's gooooo!!