Like many people, 2021 wasn't a great year for me.....the first lockdown had been relatively kind with sunshine, leisure time and as a result I managed to get to my lowest weight in known history.

I found the 2nd lockdown in 2021 much more difficult and as a result, life felt like it had much less sunshine and leisure time and I went from the lowest weight in known history to the heaviest and a much needed kick up the derriere was required!

As many of you will know, I love a goal so why not give myself the required kick whilst smashing a ridiculous target and raising money for 2 charities which mean the world to me and so Operation 20-2-2 was born. I am sure you are all wondering what marketing genius is Operation 20-2-2 so I will now put you out of your misery......in 2022, I will be completing:

- 20 Half Marathons (Shakespeare + 19 others (some of which will be training runs))

- 2 Marathons (London + 1 other)

- 2 Endurance Events (Three Peaks and Yorkshire Peaks)

The first Half Marathon will be on 24th April (which I am painfully underprepared for) and other confirmed events are the Three Peaks and Yorkshire Peaks in June and the London Marathon in October. In support of this gruelling schedule, I am looking to raise money for 2 great causes close to my heart:

- Pancreatic Cancer UK: My mum died of Pancreatic Cancer in 2008 and at the time it was a relatively unknown illness. Unfortunately, the statistics remain tragic - more than half of people diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer die within 3 months. Survival rates have improved enormously for most cancers, yet for pancreatic cancer, this is not the case. Having worked for a Pharma organisation working in this field, I know the challenges faced.

- Birmingham Children's Hospital: In 2019, my youngest daughter, Lois, having just turned 5 had Open Heart Surgery at BCH. She spent 24 hours in Intensive Care which was a truly heart-wrenching experience for our family and spent another 5 day recovering. 6 days after this major operation, she was back home and the treatment she got to make this miraculous recovery was simply incredible and she loves to go back every year for her check-ups. Unfortunately, not all stories are as positive but seeing how this remarkable hospital and staff are able to make such a difference in so many children's and families lives is amazing.

Hopefully if I have set this all up right (?!?!), you should be able to give to either charity depending on which has the most meaning to you individually but ideally I am looking to raise £5000 across both so please help me smash the target!

The miracle of Strava will mean that I can provide regular updates on progress, pain and even health condition! Many thanks for your support