In 2005, my brilliant Dad Mick May set up Blue Sky, a charity which still helps to rehabilitate ex-offenders and change their lives for the better. As David Cameron described it, “it’s the only company in the country where you need a criminal record to get a job”. Since then, they have employed nearly 2,000 ex-offenders on their own council and parish grounds maintenance teams. I have been lucky enough to meet some of those involved, many of those being helped, and understand first hand how extraordinary this work is, both for the ex-offenders it helps, but also their communities, which see a reduction in repeat crime. The programme gives ex-offenders the skills and the confidence to live honest and happier lives.

Recently, Blue Sky has merged with Rapt to form The Forward Trust, which looks to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction and allow people to move forward with their lives. They believe that anyone is capable of lasting change, and their services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.

This will be my second marathon in 2 years and this time I am thrilled to champion one by with which Dad is so closely involved. He is so excited by the creation of the Forward Trust and the potential it offers.

Anything you can give to help Forward Trust make a difference would be amazing and will spur me on to train harder and run faster!

Lara xxx