In 2023 my life took an unexpected but beautiful new direction when my son James was born. James, who is now 3 years old, has Trisomy 21 (more commonly known as Downs Syndrome). James has transformed the world of our entire family in countless wonderful ways, and it was the introduction of James into my life that gave rise to two chance encounters with the fabulous Alice Lapworth and Steffi Sweeney, Co-CEOs and Creative Producer and Artistic Director respectively, of RAWD (Random Acts of Wildness Disability).

RAWD champions greater representation for learning disabled people in the arts and the wider world by transforming accessible practice in an arts sector that centres learning disabled perspectives. RAWD believes creativity is a powerful vehicle for independence, confidence and expression - enabling people to dream bigger, communicate more freely, and take up space that’s rightfully theirs.

Since meeting Alice and Steffi I have become very fortunate to get to spend over 2 and a half joyful hours every week (joy being a huge part of RAWD’s values see: https://www.rawdproject.co.uk/about-rawd-2) supporting the work that RAWD does and the wonderful productions that they bring to life and to the stage. The spaces that are created at RAWD are precious to those that currently engage in them, and to those that should have access to them in the future – like my son James. I volunteer at RAWD because I want to support such spaces to flourish …and because it’s without a doubt the best way to spend an evening with a top group of people!

When James was young, he spent periods of time in hospital whilst he built up his strength. These times were hard in many ways and made doing what used to be life’s usual activities, like playing netball or taking a gym class, impossible at times. I took up running because getting 30 minutes here and there to get outside the hospital setting was far more realistic than travelling to a sports game. In more recent times I am pleased to say that James has had far fewer encounters with hospital, but I continue to run more than 15 miles each week. I have completed 2 x timed 10K races (with a PB of 54 minutes 53 secs) and the Liverpool 10 miler (with a chip time of 1 hour 32 minutes and 50 seconds). Despite the aches and pains that come with running, especially in terms of my 40-year-old knees that have been subject to over 28 years of netball courts, I have surprised myself, both in terms of how much wellbeing the process brings me and how much I want to push myself further.

On Sunday 11th October 2026, I plan to run my first ever half marathon (The West Coast Half Marathon 2026 from Preston to Lytham St Annes) for RAWD. A daunting 13.1 miles – 3.1 miles further than I have ever run before. RAWD turns 15 years old this year - fifteen years of radical creativity, disabled-led performance, and fearless joy and pride. To mark this milestone, RAWD are seeking to raise £15,000 to secure RAWD’s future for the next 15 years. Your donations will directly fund - weekly creative sessions for over 90 disabled artists, professional shows and performances across the Northwest, training and employment for disabled creatives, outreach projects that build pride, protest, and inclusion. This fundraiser campaign is about more than raising money - it’s about raising visibility, equality, and opportunity. Thank you in advance for all and any donations, no matter how big or small, which will help make sure RAWD is still here in another fifteen years #RAWD15For15.