Well, once again the time has come to don our costumes for the Great North Run 2022!  This year, the three of us (Me, Cathy and Katharine) are running as giant cats, because.... well, why not!! This 8ft giant feline will totally trump last year's pig effort!! It is the one time each year that my inner extrovert emerges as I use the platform that we seem to have created over the years (we've already got a number of BBC interviews lined up and are set to start in the celebrity pen!!), to promote the 'Positive About Down Syndrome' (DSUK) charity.  I'm sure most of you know by now why I'm so passionate about this.  

Alexander, our now 8 year old little superhero, who happens to have Down Syndrome, is my inspiration.  He has just started year 4, and is the bravest, most determined, joyful and stubborn little boy ever. If the consultants had had their way when I was pregnant, he would have been terminated, and we spent my pregnancy feeling like we were literally fighting for his life. I'm now working for PADS as a Regional Maternity Coordinator, trying to bring education and understanding about Down Syndrome into our local maternity hospitals in Bristol.  Positive changes are being made, but sadly we still have a long way to go in showing that Down Syndrome is not the worst thing to ever happen to a family. However, we won't give up, and the support that PADS offers to families all over the UK is going from strength to strength.

It's going to be a bit of a challenge this year completing 13.1 miles, because it's not been the easiest year health wise for me, and I haven't trained much.  But we will meow our way round, shaking our buckets, talking to many other amazing, inspirational runners, high-fiving the crowds and generally enjoying every second!!

If you are able to spare a pound or two towards this amazing cause, that would be wonderful.  But times are not easy so there is no pressure.  The best thing you can do to support is if you see Alexander (or any other person with Down Syndrome), say hi to them, ask them about their day, be with them how you would be with anyone else. (which I know many of you already do). That has no cash value and makes the world of difference to him, and us.

So, on behalf of Positive About Down Syndrome, and myself - thank you so much for your support.  We are 'furrrrrever' grateful!!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.