Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page.

I still can't quite believe I'm writing this, but in April 2027 I'll be taking on the London Marathon!

I was incredibly lucky to secure a ballot place, and I've decided to use this amazing opportunity to raise money for a fantastic local charity - The Sheffield Family Holiday Fund.

I first learned about the charity through an interview on BBC Radio Sheffield, and their work immediately resonated with me. The charity supports families across Sheffield who are facing significant challenges in their daily lives by providing holidays and day trips that many of us might otherwise take for granted.

I've been fortunate enough to enjoy family holidays and days out throughout my life, and some of my happiest childhood memories were made during those times. Those breaks gave us the chance to relax, spend quality time together, and create lasting memories. Sadly, for many families experiencing events including illnesses, bereavement, disability, mental health challenges, caring responsibilities, or the effects of crime, opportunities like these can feel completely out of reach.

The Sheffield Family Holiday Fund relies on referrals from professionals across the local community to identify families who would benefit most from a much-needed break. Families are then given the freedom to choose a holiday that suits their needs, with many opting for a traditional seaside caravan holiday or a memorable day trip.

The charity has been helping families across Sheffield for over 50 years, providing opportunities that can make a genuine difference to wellbeing, family relationships, and children's happiness. A simple holiday can offer families the chance to escape difficult circumstances for a short while and create positive memories that last a lifetime.

You can read more about the charity and some of their work from this BBC News article - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy4ejeq40nvo

As for me, the marathon itself will be a huge challenge. The training will be tough, and I'm sure there will be moments when I question why I signed up! But knowing that every mile can help support a local family in need will keep me motivated all the way to the finish line.

Any donation, however big or small, would mean so much. Thank you for supporting me, supporting this incredible charity, and helping give Sheffield families the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved break and make precious memories together.