Following a one year delay after being diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis I am back running and will be running the London Marathon in 2024 for a very special cause.

I am running the the London Marathon for Refuge to raise funds and awareness for survivors of domestic abuse. This is a cause that is extremely important to my family and I. 

In October 2010 our dear family friend Joanna Simpson was killed by her estranged husband. Despite considerable evidence of pre-planning he was convicted of manslaughter at Reading Crown Court and given a determinate sentence of 26 years, with automatic release half way through in November 2023.

Following a high profile campaign that was led by my mum and Jo's mum the Justice Secretary used his powers under Section 132 of the Crime, Policing and Sentencing Act to stop Robert Brown's automatic release and refer the case to the parole board. This decision was made in October 2023.

I will be running the London Marathon in Jo's memory and for all victims of domestic abuse.

One woman in four will experience domestic violence at some point in her lifetime and two women are killed each week in England and Wales by a current or former partner.

I am determined to do what I can to ensure that women and children experiencing domestic abuse get the support they need when they need it.

Refuge supports around 6,000 women & children on any given day, experiencing domestic and sexual violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, stalking, trafficking, prostitution & so-called ‘honour’ based violence. By kindly sponsoring me today you are helping to save and change the lives of thousands of women and children escaping domestic violence.

Any donations would be hugely appreciated.

Thank you and wish me and my creaky joints luck!!! x