On Sunday 13 October, I'm running for Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre, a Charity providing bursaries and scholarships to people who cannot afford to be assessed and supported. Being diagnosed with dyslexia later-in-life, I really want to support others in getting the understanding and resources they need to live great lives! My half marathon training started as I came back from a long period of ill-health in April with an incredible life-flashing-before-your-eyes trek to Machu Picchu, a fun and comprehensive running plan designed to promote health and fitness, a huge day-long hike in the South Downs, and now the anticipation and excitement of race day! Thank you for supporting me and our Charity. All donations, encouragement and race day tips are welcome! :)

Interview from the Charity website:

"Joanna remembers an isolated childhood where she felt she didn’t fit in. She was bullied and struggled at school socially and academically, and had time off with anxiety and depression. She learned to memorise facts, tell stories to impress her peers and teachers, and change her identity to fit in. Art was a passion but, apart from excelling at French, her grades were poor and by her mid-teens, Joanna was experiencing health and behavioural problems. ‘In hindsight,’ Joanna says, ‘dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties have been central to the confusion, fear and isolation I felt.’

Despite this, Joanna managed to get a place at Durham University. She says, ‘…my neurodiversity slipped through the net at school, university and in the workplace, perhaps because I managed to develop many high functioning coping strategies’. After university and later qualifying as a solicitor with the help of a reliable, loving partner, and parents who did their best, Joanna moved from job to job and city to city before travelling in Asia and Australia – something she now recognises as an attempt to find ‘an inspiring way forward with my life’.

Eventually, with the breakdown of her relationship, loss of her home, and mental health and significant debt issues, Joanna hit rock bottom and decided she needed help. This first step was the diagnosis of bipolar disorder and then an assessment where she was diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia. ‘This was a catalyst to take responsibility for my life… through self-compassion, love, forgiveness and hope.’ Joanna spent time in therapy, tried new jobs and settled in a new relationship. During the COVID pandemic she became a kundalini yoga and meditation instructor and counselling therapist. She is now also a charity trustee, business & psychology academic, and Senior People Business Partner in a Public Relations, Communications & Research insights consultancy.

‘… challenges I have experienced since childhood have made me who I am today, and given me a heightened sense of purpose and spiritual connection. I live consciously with as much joy as possible, and I champion this way of ‘being’ in others – we only get one shot at life, so through our traumas and triumphs, I advocate making the absolute best of it!’

We asked Joanna what the most important thing a person with dyslexia can do:

‘Find someone who can help you – don’t wait for someone to notice and wave a magic wand. Be open, tell your teachers, classmates, and family, and someone will be able to guide you; you’ll feel better with a greater sense of connection to your true purpose as the steps to take you on your path emerge.’"