You may remember if you knew me back in 2010 that I started training for a half marathon and raised sponsorship for Macmillan in thanks of the support given to my dad whilst he was living with a type of blood cancer. I decided to stop training and spend as much time as possible with my dad when he was diagnosed with stomach cancer and passed away not long after, leaving me without both parents. 

It has always been in my mind to finish what I started and as I am turning 40 in April there seems no better time to do it, so I joined a lovely ladies running club last June and have signed up for The Longhorn half marathon at Thoresby Hall on Sunday 24th April. I would like something positive to come of my efforts and hope to raise some funds to help a very special little boy named Finn, not my son but the nephew of my teaching colleague Tina Maltby. 

In Tina's own words... "Finn was 3 in October and is unable to walk, talk, eat solid food and is visually impaired. He has Microcephaly, a rare neurological condition where the brain and head do not grow as expected and brings severe global development delay. Microcephaly is a symptom rather than a cause and after whole genome sequencing there is still no diagnosis.

Finn accesses regular therapy at Blue Skies Neuro, not available on the NHS, to give him the best opportunity to hit those major milestones and maximise his development potential. This comes at a huge cost. Whilst fundraising to date has amazingly allowed his parents Mal and Rosie to buy crucial equipment for Finn to use at home, his need for regular Blue Skies therapy continues. 

Any donation that may be able to give would be appreciated more than can ever be communicated."

In case I become injured I have also signed up for the Round Sheffield Run in June and the Tissington Trail half in September, so I will definitely be completing the half this year, no excuses! 

As a parent of two healthy young children I cannot even begin to imagine what Finn's family have been through and would be so, so grateful of any support you could offer them. 

Jo🏃🏻‍♀️

#TeamFinn