‘Sports have the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand.’ (Nelson Mandela)

Sport and exercise has always been a key and fundamental part of my life whether its diving, swimming, athletics, fencing, netball, OCR, you name it, I’ll ‘volunteer as tribute’ (I’m always down for a game of Rounders).

It’s taught me how to be part of a team, to be confident, a leader, passionate, determined and a fighter. I think that sport can do this for everyone and it doesn’t matter if you are a world class athlete or just someone that enjoys a kick about; sport is for everyone and bring us together.

With that being said, I hate running. Hate it. ‘But you do Obstacle Course’s all the time!’ I hear you proclaim. And that would be correct however, if you ask any of my lovely OCR pal’s whether I enjoy the running part of the OCR’s well… I know what they would say! I do however love a challenge and will always look for new ways to push myself and what better city to embark on my next challenge than my favourite city of Newcastle upon Tyne!

Having lived in Newcastle for 4 years, I’m so excited to be able to finally run this half marathon and cross that South Shields finish line! Sport and exercise are powerful and can help people achieve things they never knew they could and this is exactly what The Bambisanani Partnership does.

I was lucky enough to go to South Africa with The Bambisanani Partnership in 2011 and be part of the wonderful project which has only strengthened in me the belief that sport can bring out the best in everyone. I witnessed young adults lead a sports day with young primary school children, come out of their shells, lead with passion and defy anyone that says they can’t achieve their goals.

The Bambisanani Partnership started in 2006 and is a unique collaboration developed by St. Mary’s Menston in Leeds,