I started running (again) a few years ago - wanting to stay fit and knowing how important it is for mental wellbeing too. But I've never gone in for races or challenges: this is my first one! 

Check out the event here:  https://www.endurancelife.com/dorset.

Why am I doing it?
Getting to the end of this half marathon will be tough - but it's nothing compared to what my friends and colleagues in South Sudan are enduring to make their vision of a church foundation university a reality. Despite economic crises, insecurity, civil war, massive displacement of people, they have persevered in establishing  a multicampus church foundation university. They know that their country's future depends on inspiring and equipping its young people to become leaders who will serve the nation - as engineers, nurses, teachers, agriculturalists, peacemakers and pastors. I've had the privilege of working alongside them for over ten years. In time, the university will be financially sustainable, but, for now, it needs our help!

So I'm running to raise funds for ECSSSUP, the UK charity which works alongside the Episcopal University of South Sudan, and of which I am a founding member and chair of trustees. See www.ecsssup.org for more information.

Who am I doing it with?
I'm proud to be running as part of a team of three women. I'll only be running the half marathon - but the rest of the team will be going much further! Rupal & Hanna will be undertaking the 60km ultramarathon!

Here's the link to the ECSSSUP Dorset Jurassic Coast Trail Running Team: https://www.justgiving.com/team/dorsetultramarathon