Both of us found Kintsugi Hope at a time in our lives when we really needed it. It helped us to understand and articulate some of how we were feeling, gave us helpful tools and, most importantly, a safe supportive space where we could share with others. It was brought to us entirely by volunteers who had been trained by the charity in order to help people learn to accept themselves and see the treasure in their scars. Jean brought it to our church, St.Michael's Stoke Gifford, and it is only because of her passion and commitment that it was able to impact us and others so much. We were privileged to see her in her last few months and assured her we would keep the Kintsugi flame burning as her 'Kintsugi girls'. We are now trained course leaders and have taken over the admin role which Jean held. We have set up a Facebook page and the wonderful team at our church runs courses, with our next one starting in February.

The opportunity to do the virtual marathon came up at the start of this year and we both decided to do it on the spur of the moment, knowing that Jean would have just said go for it and would have cheered us on all the way. We also know how important exercise is for our mental health so thought we might just push it!!

So we are doing it in Jean's memory, with the full blessing of her children, but also because we share her passion for this wonderful charity and are excited to be a very small part of its vision- "a world where mental and emotional health is understood and accepted, with safe and supportive communities for everyone to grow and flourish."

Anything you can give will be so appreciated and your support for us in completing this challenge is invaluable!