This Sunday (8 March), I’ll be running my very first half marathon through the streets of Cambridge. I’ve decided to raise funds for WAY Widowed and Young – the charity that's offered me support and friendship since I was widowed at the age of 39.

Losing a partner so young is something you never expect, and the journey afterwards is often challenging and lonely. WAY has been there every step of the way, providing practical support, understanding and a community of people who truly understand.

Running the Cambridge Half Marathon for WAY on International Women’s Day feels especially poignant – a chance to celebrate resilience, determination and the inner strength that kicks in through the most challenging times. Every mile I run this weekend will be in tribute to all the young widowed people WAY supports – and a celebration of the very long way I’ve come personally since I was widowed with a toddler in tow and could barely leave the house, let alone run 13 miles!

If you can, please help me make those miles count. Your donation will go directly to WAY, helping them provide vital peer support to more young widowed people across the UK. Every little bit really helps, and it means a lot to me personally to give back to a charity that has been such an important part of my life.

Thank you for supporting me – and WAY – as I take on this challenge.