On the 3rd October 2021, 10 of our members will be taking on the London 2021 Virtual Marathon to raise funds for Caring Matters Now.

I am proud to announce I am one of the team members running for this amazing charity. Caring Matters Now is a charity that it is close to my heart and here is why.

Not many friends and family are aware that I was born with a very rare genetic condition - CMN. (Congenital Melanocytic Naevi) My secret has been kept not because my family and I were embarrassed but that for many to comprehend the size of the Birthmark would be hard to understand. So many of you will be reading this for the first time, feeling rather shocked, maybe confused. My clothes have always been my mask and I have been very cleaver in keeping it covered up. This is why I never wear short dresses, short tops and why I constantly pull my tops down at the back. If I wear a short skirt its with thick tights never bare legs.

My Mum had to cope with many hospital visits, operations (I have had lots of major surgery and lazer treatments over the years) and she was told I probably wouldn't grow properly and walking may not be a possibility! So that's why at 14 years old I started running, to quietly tell the world my legs do work and I did grow too 5'6" and therefore ran my first Marathon aged 26 for Changing Faces.

Aged 46 now and about to run my 3rd London Marathon. A proud mother, a daughter and wife. I went into a very difficult profession all about image, but I succeed. I became a professional performer, training at London Studio Centre, my main jobs were dance based and after successfully getting the professional contracts, I had to call the creative director to ask about costumes! I think luck was on my side because it always worked out. Brit Awards 96, London Olympics 2012 closing ceremony, Modeling, EastEnders and a Lead vocalist on tour. So I did ok. :) I went on to run my own performing arts school and encourage everyone to dance no matter what unique qualities they have, it is their super power after all!

In 2019 I found Caring Matters Now, aged 44 I finally met people like me at the amazing and moving exhibition "How do you see me now" in London at the Oxo Tower. The younger charity members are full of strength and I admire them, a few are wanting to become professional dancers and they dance from their heart and embrace their CMN never covering up, they are a true inspiration to me. I have been a member ever since, CMN charity has given me so much and I now it's my turn to give back.

Please give generously to this amazing charity and help families and people like me to feel accepted in a world than can be difficult and cruel sometimes. To all the bullies over the years, you can never bring me down...As the song says "This is Me" - The Greatest Showman. "I am not a stranger to the dark, Hide away, they say, 'Cause we don't want your broken parts. I've learned to be ashamed of all my scars. Run away, they say No one'll love you as you are. But I won't let them break me down to dust, I know that there's a place for us For we are glorious!" - One of my Marathon play list tunes.

Thanks so Much Emily :)

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.