I’ve been chatting for a long time if a goal of a Marathon after doing the 5k’s/10k’s and Half Marathons so if I don’t commit now I may chicken out. 

When I saw the Manchester Marathon 2024 advertised I saw the charity SENSE and thought instantly of my late sister. She was born in 1952. My mum caught German measles and Jill was born and known as a Rubella baby. Dad noticed when she was a matter of weeks old that she never flinched at noises or reacted to them so went to doctors. After tests they said she was Blind Deaf and Dumb, this was my mums first child, she must have been devastated.  Once the specialist said although she had some sight in one eye that deteriorated and said about removing her eyes. How awful 😞  my parents said no and she lived a happy life. Some years later dad made the choice to have Jill looked after and he found SENSE.  She lived the rest of her life there when dad knew he couldn’t look after her to his best of his abilities. I took over maintaining visits and help when he died and mum no longer with us. The staff at Louth were amazing and made sure Jill was kept safe and happy and developed into a great women,  without them it would have been so very hard.  I always wonder what it would have been like to have her as a big sister 🥰

So I’m fundraising for Sense, a charity that believes that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential.Their experts offer personalised support through their centres, holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. They are here for everyone who needs them, for as long as they need them – providing early intervention for children, helping young people access education, and supporting the transition into adulthood and beyond.