I have recently come back to running and entered the ballot for London on a whim! I never thought I'd actually get in!

But I am delighted to have the opportunity. It will be a HUGE challenge for me but one I'm determined to meet. I couldn't decide on any one charity so I have chosen 3 charities close to my heart and explain a little more about each of these below.

If you are able to support any one of these, thank you! Feel free to follow me on strava to see the training progress! I promise to give it my all!

Running for SCIAF:

SCIAF are a charity close to my heart. Not only do they campaign for, and act to provide lasting change for some of the poorest people and communities across the world, they also partner with other organisations to respond to urgent need, such as in Gaza and Ukraine. We are all equal in this world yet the inequality and suffering faced by too many is horrifying. If we can raise some money to support the vital work SCIAF provides, it is a start.

Running for Climate Action Strathaven:

The climate crisis is one of the biggest and most catastrophic crisis we face. It is already having consequences throughout the world today, with the poorest and most vulnerable people worst affected. But it is NOT irreversible as long as we act now and act together to preserve our beautiful world for many generations to come.

Climate Action Strathaven are a small but fantastic charity dedicated to making it easy for the residents of Strathaven to make climate friendly choices. They run buses linking Strathaven, Stonehouse and Glasgow, provide services to improve home energy, run walking and bike clubs, recycle and repair bikes, recycle printer cartridges and tablet packets, provide refill options for household cleaning products, as well as a water refill station for the community, run a free community fridge preventing food going to waste, run community litter picks and so much more! The positive impact they have had in our area is fantastic and a huge step in the right direction. I know any funds we can raise will be put to great use.

Running for Vetlife:

I have worked in the veterinary industry for nearly 25 years now. It is a profession I love and I am immensely proud of my colleagues who look after and care for the pets and animals that, for many people, we wouldn't be without.

However, what is not widely understood by pet owners and the public is that, while working in the veterinary profession can be extremely rewarding in helping the animals we love, it can also be extremely challenging. Many in the veterinary community experience symptoms of clinical depression and, sadly, the rate of suicide among vets is 3-4 times higher than that of the general population. The impact of this is far reaching throughout our community.

Vetlife is an essential charity, there to provide emotional, health and financial support to those in the UK veterinary community. Any funds we can raise to support their work will support people in the profession I love, when they are at their lowest.