Every year I watch the GNR with tears in my eyes, a hoarse throat from shouting encouragements and sore hands from a few hours' worth of persistent clapping.

It is a day of victory. From the professional runners who are striking out for gold, the elite athletes who have outstanding skill as well as determination and perseverance, building strength and stamina year after year after year; the visually impaired and wheelchair racers, who vanquish obstacles, the keen runners who commit to fitting healthy habits into their busy schedules; the warriors and celebrators, who face illness defiantly and fight back with a challenge; the mourners and grievers, who run in honour of fine and good folk they have loved and lost, the comic costumes, the bucket rattlers...each year it is a riot of celebration and excellence.

Every year I think, "I'd love to be part of that!" And, every year, I soon go back to eating chips and watching Netflix.

Last year was different. Yet again, I watched alone, as my husband didn't want to join me. Chronic Compartment Syndrome, a condition he developed while in the army, means he can't stand for long, without extreme pain. He also can't walk far, and certainly can't run.

Running the GNR was an ambition for him, as a young, highly athletic and super-active man. Watching it now, is not only painful for him physically: it's also a painful reminder of his loss.

Since launching the business, we have made remarkable progress at managing Richard's pain, but it's still something he lives with every day. I am coming to appreciate much more the blessing of an able and pain free body, and feel challenged to make the most of it and not take it for granted. 

As the children get older, I realise more and more that, as much as Richard would love to be their role model for a healthy and active lifestyle, that mantel, unfortunately, has to fall to me!

I have always been a very unsporty, physically awkward person who never really enjoyed exercise. If I don't want to bring up a couple of couch potatoes with no interest in or motivation for taking care of their physical health, I need to set a good example. I want to encourage them to look after their health, undertake personal challenges and develop perseverance, commitment and dedication.

I decided to run the GNR for charity, so it would give .me a measure of accountability when I felt like giving up. But, who to run it for? There are so many great causes. I chose Heel and Toe, as it fit exactly with my motivation of encouraging children to meet their full potential to overcome obstacles, while also recognising the impact of limiting conditions.

Heel and Toe supports local children with disabilities to receive the care, support and resources they need to thrive. Check out their website for some of their amazing stories of the impact they make with the amazing children they work with.

So, I'm running for my husband, my children and Heel and Toe...but I'm also running for myself! I've taken on all sorts of challenges in my life, but never a physical one. As I get older, I'm starting to appreciate my healthy and fully-functioning body, which I have taken for granted for so many years. This is an opportunity to become fit and healthy, and to achieve something I never dreamed I'd be able to achieve.

I set this challenge to mark our business' 2nd birthday, so, we aiming to raise two ton (£200). Whether it's £2, £22, £222 or any amount between, we'd really appreciate your donation. It will be hugely motivating, and greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much, from us at TJRS and from the amazing children who face challenges, defy odds and define resilience and determination, through Heel and Toe Charity.