This isn't my first rodeo... I ran the London Marathon in 2017 and clearly haven't learnt my lesson - but it's a wonderful event in the best city in the world and a chance to raise money for a superb cause.

This time, with just a 4% chance so very much against the odds, I managed to get a 'ballot place' in the marathon meaning that I'm running 'freelance' (you normally have to get a place via a charity).

As a way of supporting one of our linked charities (see more below...) I've chosen to run on behalf of the University of Roehampton where I'm a Senior Lecturer in Psychology, and also the Head of Froebel College and Acting Head of Whitelands College. I'm really looking forward to representing my great London university in the world's greatest marathon.

So why have I chosen to raise money for the NSPCC this time, and how does this link to Roehampton? Well, a couple of reasons... 

Firstly, as the UK's leading child protection charity I want to help fund their work in helping vulnerable children and advocating for their wellbeing and support. 

Secondly, every year since 1881 Whitelands College (one of the four colleges of the University of Roehampton) has elected a 'May Monarch', one of the quaint, odd and wonderful traditions that form the historical legacy of my University. As part of their duties the May Queen or King chooses to support a charity, and this year the 141st May Monarch, Queen Treya, has selected the NSPCC. So I'm delighted to be able to support Queen Treya in her fundraising efforts.

If you want to know more about the Whitelands May Monarch tradition, just go here: 

www.roehampton.ac.uk/colleges/whitelands-college/history/may-monarch/ 

If you are spectating on the route please look out for the Roehampton logo and give me a wave and a cheer, and if you’d like to track my progress on the London Marathon website and apps, my race number is 22405.

Thank you for your support with my 2023 London Marathon JustGiving challenge! My page donations will be sent direct to the NSPCC in a fast and secure way. It's efficient, saves time and cuts costs for the charity. 

Let's do this! (relatively slowly...)