In January 2018 I would've barely entertained the idea of a quick walk let alone the notion of a run... I mean, me, running - as in one foot in front of the other - quickly. Nope that doesn't sound right...   

Fast forward 4 months and with the help of my friends at school and Jo Whiley shouting at me to get my bottom off the sofa and into my running shoes with the couch to 5k app I found myself lined up on the start line of my first ever race - the Folkestone 10k. I never thought I would ever find myself in this situation, but something inside me was always driving me forwards, and I was totally determined to finish it and become a 'runner'. The race was tough but at the end of it I felt amazing - I'd done it and certainly caught the running bug!

I joined the local running club (Dover Road Runners) and met a brilliant bunch of like-minded people of all abilities who really helped support my running and encouraged me to enter more races throughout the summer. The more 10k races I entered the more confident and quicker I became.

In October I found myself lined up for my first Half Marathon in Wimbledon high-fiving a Womble en-route! I couldn't believe how far I had come in just 10 months, I'm not the quickest runner in the world but I put every ounce of effort into it and I love the feeling of finishing a race with a new PB! I started to believe in myself enough to think that what once felt totally out of reach could become a reality - completing a full marathon... all 26.2 miles of it!!

In December, a girl I teach in my class, Maya Nash, who had already battled neuroblastoma at just 3 years old and was incredibly lucky to survive, was given a glimmer of hope - A ground breaking clinical trial in the USA that could provide her with a life free of this aggressive cancer. 

 Maya's family need to raise £243,000 to access this clinical trial. As her teacher I wanted to do anything I could to help support this beautiful, smiling, ray of light who with her smile brightens every day.

It was this campaign that gave me the inspiration to enter the Brighton Marathon - I would push myself to the limit to help raise as much as possible for the wonderful Maya.

Training started on Christmas Eve (I know....) and although training is tough, I am loving every minute of it because I know I am supporting such a fantastic cause. 

I will need every bit of support to get me through the race, but knowing that every step I take is making a difference to this little girl will give me all motivation I need to succeed!

Please give whatever you can - every penny helps and 26.2 miles is a very long way....

Thank You