Here's a little note about why I run The Royal Park's Half Marathon yearly in support of The Children's Book Project.

September is still synonymous with back to school for me and back in the day it became inextricably linked with the long walk to the local Lache Library in Chester. The walk felt like miles - I’ve just checked and it was actually only round the corner from our house but clearly quite the distance to my little leggies. But although that journey felt tedious and needlessly long, new exciting landscapes and universes awaited on the other side of its unimpressive standard 70s wooden doors.

Strange and wonderful lands conjured up by Where The Wild Things Are and my early obsession with the Bermuda Triangle. For the latter I remember borrowing as many books as I could on the subject to fuel my fascination - up to the maximum 5 in a week and for the former, this beautiful book lying in front of me on the library carpet whilst I drank in the dark and magical artwork fashioned by author Maurice Sendak. Thanks to mum for persevering with these library visits despite my protestations.

It’s definitely a big part of the reason I’m supporting The Children’s Book Project again based round the corner from me in West London at this year’s Royal Parks Half Marathon. Over the past five years a group of local school mum's have gathered at the side of the Thames weekly to share, to laugh, to cry, to support and to run. We have also been supporting a local charity in their aim that every child should to have the chance to let their imagination run wild through words.

Any pennies you can spare would be much appreciated. I also totally understand if you can't.

Much love as always,

Nemone