I became involved with NCT in 2004 when my son was 2.  I initially started as a volunteer for my local branch in Hillingdon.  I sold advertising space for our local branch newsletter, as well as helping out at Nearly New Sales and local family events.  I began training as a breastfeeding counsellor and qualified in 2010, and additionally trained as an antenatal teacher in 2015, qualifying in 2016.

I consider it to be such a privilege doing the work that I do.  I facilitate antenatal sessions in and around the London area, and I also support these parents during the postnatal period if they need it.  I also regularly work on our Infant Feeding Line, supporting parents nationally.

I was born with a condition called Moebius Syndrome.  It is characterised by the underdevelopment of the 6th and 7th cranial nerves responsible for facial expression and eye movement.  In my case, I also have issues with my 10th and 12th cranial nerves.  I also have scoliosis and cervical spinal stenosis.

As well as NCT, I am a classically trained soprano, and last year qualified as a group sound relaxation therapist, using himalayan singing bowls, crystal bowls, gong and therapeutic percussion.

I have never allowed my disability to hold me back, and this is one of the things that I hope that I convey to the beautiful people I meet during my sessions.  No one should ever put limits on what you can do and achieve in life.

I am so proud to be working for NCT, and incredibly proud to be running on behalf of them.  This will be my second London Marathon.  My first one was in 2014, where I ran for the charity "Changing Faces", a charity that supports people with an unusual appearance.  I will be 60 this August, and one of my bucket list items was to run 2 marathons in my 50's.  Please support me if you possibly can, by giving what you can afford.  Every little bit will help...

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