Third time's a charm right? After two cancelled half marathons, The Great Eastern Run in 2019 (from a bomb scare) and the London Landmarks 2020 (from the pandemic), I’m running the Great Eastern Run 2025 in memory my dad, Martin.

If you know me you'll know that I was not a born runner. In fact I have never been that much of a runner. I was the girl who got out of cross country at school as I’d prefer to make the teachers a coffee than run laps in the field. 

I’m taking up this challenge in memory of my Dad, Martin, and fundraising for Sue Ryder’s Thorpe Hall where he spent the final few weeks of his life after suffering with a glioblastoma brain tumour. 

My family and I have been guided and inspired by Thorpe Hall’s incredible care and support during that difficult time and in the days, months and years since he passed away. I’m inspired everyday by their remarkable staff, and by my resilient, hilarious Dad.  

As the man who got me into running (mainly by standing over me while I was asleep to ask if I was awake and coming for a run, which obviously woke me up and got mixed reactions) it seems appropriate to do a half marathon in his memory. 

Dad liked to call us 'Team Bacon' after his diagnosis, as he was adamant that as a family, as Team Bacon, we could get through anything. We've been pushed to our limits to say the least, so I'm pretty sure I can get through this too!

Please donate if you can, and maybe join me for a weepy drink post-run.