In September 2026, I’ll be running 13.1 miles in the Great North Run- That is the longest I have ever run…ever!

It is a grand and intimidating challenge, but I am ready and willing to take it on as I will be doing it for an incredible charity, one that is very important to me and my family- Headway Sussex.

In 2018, my dad was knocked off his bicycle and suffered a brain injury that turned our family’s life upside down. Brain injuries can present differently for everyone- although physically healed, my dad suffers from chronic fatigue and short-term memory issues. When fatigued he has executive function issues, difficulty word finding, anxiety and being an emotional roller-coaster. Ultimately, his accident had changed not only his abilities, but who he was as a person.

Brain injury affects 350,000 people in the UK every year (according to Brain Research UK) and Headway Sussex was there for my dad when he became part of that number.

Headway Sussex provided my dad with connections with other people with brain injuries through their support groups and advice and support through their helpline and offered counselling services.

Without donations, their services may be reduced or closed entirely. I'm not sure what my dad's experience would have been without the services that Headway Sussex provides so I am running to raise money and awareness!

Your donation—big or small—will mean so much, even just sharing this page will help me reach more people!

Thank you so much for reading!

p.s. 13.1 miles is a long way so if you donate, please write in the note a song, album or artist that I should listen to on my long runs as I begin the training plan to Newcastle!