Why I'm Running

As someone who is not a natural runner, taking on the London Marathon is one of the biggest physical and mental challenges I’ve ever attempted. Every training run—whether it’s in the rain, the cold, or when I’d much rather be on the sofa—reminds me just how tough those 26.2 miles will be. But I'm not doing this for a medal or the thrill of race day. I’m running for a cause that genuinely matters to me: Place2Be, a charity providing essential mental health support for children and young people.

Why It Matters to Me

As a mum of two teenage boys, I’ve seen firsthand just how much today’s young people are navigating. They’ve grown up in a world filled with pressures that simply didn’t exist when I was their age—constant connectivity, social media, online comparisons, and a pace of life that can feel overwhelming. Add to that the impact of COVID during their formative years, with months of isolation, disrupted schooling, and uncertainty, and it’s clear how important emotional support is for this generation.

Why I Chose Place2Be

While we all do our best as parents, I know that sometimes young people need someone else to turn to—someone trained to listen, reassure, and guide. That’s why Place2Be’s work resonates so deeply with me. They provide children with a safe space in schools, offering early mental health support before problems escalate. Their work helps young people feel heard, valued, and understood at a time when the world can feel incredibly loud and confusing.

So when my legs inevitably start questioning all my life choices around mile 18, I’ll be thinking of the children and teenagers Place2Be supports every single day. Knowing that each step I take helps them continue their incredible work is what keeps me going—even on the days when my trainers seem to hide themselves on purpose.

Your Support

Your donation — no matter the amount — will help give more young people the support they need during some of the most important years of their lives.

And for every pound donated, Morgan Stanley will match it — doubling the impact of your support.

Thank you for supporting me, and Place2Be, and for being part of this journey.