I’m doing the Oxford Half with 41 teddies to represent the 410 children that Home-Start Oxford supported last year. The teddies are all wildly different - just like the families Home-Start supports!

Home-Start provides non-judgmental, compassionate support for parents and children when they need it most. They match families with 1-2-1 volunteers and help families build connections and confidence through baby and toddler groups. There is no such thing as a typical Home-Start family - the support offered is as individual as the families themselves.

Support is free to families of all types, income levels and backgrounds with children under 5. It covers the whole of Central Oxfordshire from Wheatley and Thame to Kidlington, Witney and Carterton.

Home-Start staff and volunteers help ordinary people who are going through extraordinary times. Being a parent has never been easy. Regardless of social status, gender or culture, it can be lonely, frustrating, heart-breaking and over-whelming - everyone needs help sometimes.

I’d like to raise money so that Home-Start Oxford can support even more children and families next year … because childhood can't wait!

Please donate generously - if I reach my target I will wear the teddies for the half marathon and post a picture of it on Facebook for all to enjoy!