Hi I'm Rachael and welcome to my Phab marathon journey...part 2!

I started running a few years ago (when I say running it was more a slow painful shuffle to start with). With working from home a lot, I'd mastered the art of multi tasking - one hand on the keyboard and one hand in the biscuit jar - so I figured I'd do some damage limitation (because giving up biscuits isn't a realistic option).

In 2022 I entered the virtual marathon to raise money for a local charity. Much to the shock of me, and everyone I know, I actually managed it...with a smile!

By that point I thought I was most definitely a real runner and landed a place with Phab to run the 2023 London Marathon. I loved the values that the charity was built on, and in the lead up to the marathon and I learnt so much about the amazing work they carried out.

Despite saying never again the day before the 2023 marathon (due to having a major meltdown at the running show and having imposter syndrome), here I am, running again, for the same amazing charity.

Sadly, I won't be able to make it to London to run the actual marathon in April. For me, this has never been about running in London. it's about giving something back and helping others. So I'm changing the plan.

What started out as Rach's Phab marathon part 2, has now turned into Rach and Ollie's Phab adventure! On 21 April I will be  joined by my 11 year old son, Ollie, and together we will run/walk/crawl the 26.2 miles around the Wirral coastline.

Phab will always have a special place in my heart and if I'm going to throw myself out of my comfort zone and run distances most normal people would drive...there is no other charity I'd rather run for.

Phab brings together disabled and non-disabled people of all ages to make more life together – with exciting and challenging holiday projects for disabled and disadvantaged children and young adults, wheelchair accessible holiday homes, and 140 Phab Clubs across England and Wales with 8,000 members. Thank you for supporting Phab and Phabkids – with your help we can make a real and lasting difference to the lives of so many more children, young people and adults with disabilities, to their families and to local communities.

Why join me on this journey? That's easy:
* You'll be helping to raise awareness and funds for a wonderful charity who needs our support more than ever in the current climate.
* I guarantee to keep you amused with my constant moaning, weekly life dramas and smug updates on those few and far between days where a run actually goes to plan.
* Support me on my journey and I'll return the favour. Whether you're running the marathon or doing something else incredible to help others, you have my support!

So feel free to chip in with words of encouragement or just some general abuse, I thrive off both, I'm not fussy!

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to sharing my journey with you.

Much love

Rach & Ollie xx