So. Time to go balls to the wall. Take the leap. Get off the porch with the pups and go and run with the big dogs.

On October 15th, I am running the Bath Half marathon. To anyone who knows me, I am not a born runner. I am built for comfort and not speed (nor in fact distance). However, a good cause - and the hope of shifting a bit of lard - spurs me on! I am running on behalf of Dorothy Trust hospice. Dorothy Trust work around Somerset and Wiltshire and provide end of life care and support for patients and their families. They showed Mum and our family such incredible kindness, care and skill in the darkest times of our lives.

I’ve never shown much dedication to anything really, but knowing that I’m running for my Mum and Dorothy House makes the chaffing, early get ups and 27 degree runs a little easier.

Mum wasn’t a born runner either seeing as we share the same stumpy hobbit genes, but one day she just decided she was a runner. She completed marathons in New York, Paris and London. The teenage me at the time didn’t really clock the huge effort and challenge it was for her (although to be fair, she made it seem so easy!!). Again, knowing she’d be suitably impressed with my efforts and that I’m (sort of, attempting to) follow in her Sweaty-Betty-clad footsteps makes the path feel a smoother and the shins less splinty.

So there you have it. I have pledged to raise £300. Any cash or loose change that you would have spare to throw at me would be amazing to reach my target! Thank you so so much in advance!