I am raising money by taking on the LONDON MARATHON 2027! Yes, you heard that right! 😂 Anyone who knows me knows I am NOT a runner… but one thing I am is determined, stubborn, and never one to shy away from a challenge (especially when there’s a little bit of Mark in me!)💪🏼

My Uncle Mark was, without a doubt, my absolute hero. He was one of a kind, had a personality so much like mine, and lived life to the absolute fullest. He conquered so much in his life and had so many passions, but one of the closest to his heart was his charity work in Uganda. Mark dedicated himself to helping vulnerable children living on the streets, giving them something every child deserves: a safe home, food, clean water and an education to give them a brighter future. His heart, his determination and his passion for making a difference in the world inspired me more than words can ever explain. I always told him how much I wanted to go to Uganda with him, to meet the incredible people he helped and see the amazing work he was doing for myself. Sadly, that is something I never got the chance to do.

Mark battled cancer for 18 months, fighting with the strength and determination that made him who he was, before it sadly took his life earlier this year. There are no words to describe the hole he has left in our lives, and I don’t think there ever will be. Losing someone so special makes you realise just how precious life is and how important it is to do something that truly means something.

One day, I was scrolling on my phone when I saw that the ballot for the London Marathon was open. I had a little “fuck it” moment… something Mark himself had quite a few of! 😂 I thought, what would Mark say? So, I entered. Fast-forward to August, and I received the email telling me I hadn’t got a place. I was a little gutted, but I knew the chances were slim. Then, a month later, completely out of the blue, I received an email from a Ugandan charity offering me a place in the marathon if I wanted it.

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES?! 🇺🇬🥹

I’ve always believed that what’s meant to be will be, but honestly, this felt like something more. The timing, the connection to Uganda, and the chance to do something in Mark’s memory… it just felt right. So, naturally, I said YES!

I am beyond grateful for this opportunity, and I genuinely couldn’t think of anything more fitting or personal. I will be running for Lilly Uganda, a beautiful organisation working with children in Uganda to help secure their education and support families in need. Knowing that every mile I run and every penny raised could help change a child’s life makes this challenge mean so much more than just crossing a finish line.

Am I slightly terrified? Absolutely. Am I going to have to become a runner? Unfortunately, yes! 😂 I know I have a HUGE task ahead of me, but I am ready to give it everything I’ve got. There will be tough training days, moments when I question my sanity, and probably a few tears along the way. But whenever it gets hard, I’ll remind myself why I started.

I am running for Mark. For his incredible legacy. For the children in Uganda whose futures can be changed through this charity. And for myself, to do something that scares me, challenges me, teaches my boys dedication and strength and makes me feel closer to the man I miss so much.

If you know me, you’ll know this isn’t something I’d ever have imagined myself doing. I am far from a runner, far from any kind of fitness, But maybe that’s the beauty of it. Mark taught me, in his own way, to live life fully, to be brave, to follow your heart and to say “fuck it” every now and then.

If you are able to donate, no matter how big or small, I would be so incredibly grateful. Every single donation will help support this amazing cause and make all those miles worth it. And if you can’t donate, sharing my page, recording a voice note for me to listen to on the tough miles and cheering me on will mean just as much!

Here’s to 26.2 miles, a whole lot of determination, and carrying a little piece of Mark with me every step of the way. ❤️

This one’s for you, Mark. Always. 🕊️