I'm still here, still running!

Last year the London Marathon was cancelled 6 weeks before the event. They eventually held is virtually and I completed the 26.2miles from Vigo Rugby Club to my house in October 2020.

But I really want to do it properly, to run past those iconic landmarks, to hear the famous marathon music ringing in my ears and to soak up the amazing atmosphere that is running in one of the greatest races in the world.

So here I am, training again. The London Marathon is set to happen in person on Oct 3rd 2021.

You were all so generous with your money last year and it really helped me, on those really long runs, on the days when my back was hurting and when I could think of nothing more than when I was running next and had I eaten enough food! I am so grateful for all your support.

This year I also wanted to help some smaller charities that will be helping some of the people most affected by the pandemic - children and school staff.

** The Songwriting Charity is dedicated to the empowerment of young people and communities through the art and craft of songwriting, boosting confidence, self esteem and mental health through participation. They run school workshops for all ages of children and can do vital work in helping young people process and cope with what has happened to their world.

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KimberleyEvansNourish

** I've seen first hand how the pandemic has affected the education community. Friends, family and colleagues have been stretched to beyond their limits and the effects of the sustained increased workload and unimaginable stress will be felt for years to come. Education Support provides much needed help for those working in the education sector, with free counselling, resources and research. They rely on donations and need your help to continue supporting those who need it so they in turn can help their pupils to learn and flourish.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kimberleyevansnourish

** Although I am thrilled to be running the London Marathon (yes even on those days when it is dark and cold and I have to run!) I got my place in very sad circumstances. A family friend, Martin Paget (Padge) had always encouraged me with my running, you may remember me tackling the crazy Valentine's Run a few times, that was Padge's brainchild. I saw Padge in May 2019 and we were chatting about me being really serious about the marathon and possibly getting the Vigo Runners place.

That was the last time I got to see Padge as he tragically died of a massive heart attack whilst on holiday with his wife Yvonne just a few weeks later.

Vigo Runners have honoured me with their club place so I can run it in Padge's memory. This is what has kept me going through months and months of training.

Padge's family chose the British Heart Foundation for him.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/KimberleyEvansPadge

Please click through to choose your charity to support, or donate to all three! Whatever you can give, big or small will be very much appreciated.

Lots of love, Kimberley