A couple of months ago whilst working from home, Emma shouted upstairs and asked if I wanted a cup of tea. “Sure, why not” was my standard response.

Turns out, what she actually said was “do you want to do a half marathon and raise some funds for NACOA?” Before we had worked out just how bad my inability to listen was, I was signed up – and I’m now privileged to be taking part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon on 6th April 2025.

Back in autumn, I couldn’t jog across a road without it impacting my breathing. Apart from a couple of long(ish) walks, with no time consideration, I haven’t done any meaningful exercise in many, many years.

Training has been very stop/start for a number of reasons, and this isn’t going to be setting any records – this is about getting to the end of 13 miles in one piece! But I am determined to cross the finish line to raise some money for Emma’s chosen charity.

NACOA (The National Association for Children of Alcoholics) is a charity founded to help and support for everyone affected by a parent’s drinking. 1 in 5 people in the UK are affected by a parent's drinking - whilst I am lucky never to have faced this, many others have.

Every child has the right to a happy childhood and to live a creative and meaningful life but when drink is the family secret, children are more likely to experience family violence, neglect and other problems in their own homes. NACOA provides information, advice and support for everyone affected.