On 23 April, I will be running the London Marathon for the charity Mencap.

As many of you know, I have a wonderful aunty, Lizzie, who has learning disabilities. Lizzie has been supported throughout her adult life by Mencap and she has also helped contribute to their vision, as the voice of someone with a learning disability who is trying to navigate the world in their own way. 

Mencap's focus is valuing and supporting those with a learning disability, as well as their families and carers. To date, as a charity, they have made significant improvements to people's attitudes towards people with a learning disability, but there is still a way to go. Mencap comes together in its networks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to try and help people forge stronger friendships and relationships, and to try and find a sense of community as another layer of support. They are also working to help more people with a learning disability find work and for employers to understand that those with a learning disability can make great workers if they are given the support and understanding that they need.

This is all done in the hope that we can get to a stage where people with a learning disability are valued equally, given a voice and given the opportunity to have the quality of life that every person deserves. 

On a final, more running related note, after an osteoporosis diagnosis several years ago, I never thought I would be able to run properly again, let alone a marathon, so this is very special to me and I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to do it to support a cause which has provided so much support to my own family and ensured that Lizzie has the quality of life she deserves.

A big shout out to all my loved ones who have supported me (and run miles with me) - THANK YOU! A further thank you to everyone who has sponsored me - I am really grateful. Hopefully see you at the finish line.

Marianne