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The countdown is now on until I take part in the Paris marathon and run the legendary distance of 26.2 miles (42.2km) on the 8th April 2018! I have set myself this personal challenge in order to raise money for Homeless in Teignbridge Support (HITS). I hope that you will kindly donate to this wonderful cause, to make every aching muscle worth it in my build up to the big day and to give me something to focus on when the race feels like it will never end!

HITS are a lifeline for those in crisis in the Teignbridge community, working with a variety of groups, including those who are homeless, victims of domestic violence, ex-service personnel, the elderly, families in poverty, disabled people, ex-offenders and many others.

It is a sad reality that people are increasingly having to rely on food banks in order to survive. HITS’s team of wonderful dedicated volunteers work hard to improve the lives of those in need. They collect and distribute food and other goods, as well as providing mentoring and advocacy on a case-by-case basis, supporting the community and helping people cope with life’s struggles.

The distributed goods are based on food bank donations and collaborations and collections from local food manufacturers and supermarkets, including the company I work for Paramount. Not only does this benefit those who are in need, but it ensures that good food and toiletries do not go to waste.

The Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris is now one of the biggest marathons in the world, and I will be elbow to elbow with nearly 145 nationalities and 57,000 runners. In order to prepare for this, I am following a strict training schedule which only allows for 1 day off a week – who knew Mondays would become my favourite day of the week! I will also be taking part in a 10km race on the 18th February and the Bath half marathon on the 4th March.

While I am busy wearing the soles of my shoes down, please dig deep and donate now.

HITS Foodbank is Registered Charity Number 1097540.

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.