I'm running the Robin Hood half-marathon on the 28th September - my first half marathon!

I'm a little nervous but also excited, and have really enjoyed running more regularly over the last few months. So, I'm going public.... with a fundraising push for my local Home-Start in Nottingham!

Home-Start Nottingham is one of 177 local Home-Starts across the UK, and supports families with babies and young children across Ashfield, Broxtowe, Gedling, Rushcliffe and Nottingham City.

Through trusted, relational support for the whole family, Home-Start Nottingham helps to reduce isolation and stress, improve access to local services, and strengthen parent and carers’ capacity to provide the nurturing care that babies and children need to thrive.

I joined Home-Start UK - the central body supporting the national network of local Home-Starts - in October 2024, having been a long-term supporter of Home-Start's work with children and families.

I believe strongly that every child deserves the fullest of opportunities to enjoy a healthy, happy childhood. Early childhood should be a magical time and is when the foundations are laid for lifelong learning, health and happiness.

Strong support for parents and carers is absolutely key to this. However, many families don't get the support they need and many children don't get the start in life that they deserve. That is why Home-Starts right across the UK are ready to support families through their toughest times.

Each local Home-Start is an independent local charity, with their own board of trustees and volunteer and staff teams. This ensures that Home-Start's work is locally-led, rooted in communities. and able to respond to what local families need.

Our approach is as individual as the people we’re supporting. Highly skilled volunteers and staff offer non-judgemental, compassionate practical and emotional support to families through a range of challenges, including poor mental or physical health, debt and finance issues, unsuitable housing, family breakdown and bereavement.

I'd hugely appreciate any support you can give to enable Home-Start Nottingham in their brilliant work, providing invaluable support for children and families across Nottingham!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.