On 27th October I will be attempting to complete my first marathon. It is an off-road, trail marathon across the stunning Seven Sisters near Eastbourne. It is therefore also very hilly. In fact I recently discovered the total climb on the route is higher than Ben Nevis! It will be a huge challenge for me but I am so determined to complete it, even if my hips are not totally with me on this...

Any funds that I raise in the lead up to the marathon will be donated directly to the Bedford Homeless Fund, a local charity that supports individuals who are homeless by paying for items they need - a deposit for a home, a training course, clothes for a job interview, furnishing for a new flat, or travel costs.

The Bedford Homeless Fund is part of the Bedford Homeless Partnership bringing together people experiencing homelessness, charities, grassroots groups, the council, businesses and individuals to end homelessness in Bedford.

I have not been running/ jogging for very long - I started with the NHS Couch to 5km app 2.5 years ago. With the support of my sister Catherine - a PT on her 17th marathon now!, my running partner in crime Kiersten, my Osteo Stephen and, of course, my lovely husband Rick and our 4 children, I have got to a point where I think I may actually be looking forward to Beachy Head marathon (!?). I am not attempting to achieve a certain time, the challenge of completion is a realistic one for me. Thank you for your support, it really means a lot.