I am thrilled ( I think) to be participating in the London Marathon 2024 as part of Team Sense.

As someone who has only discovered a love for running in the last three years, the idea of completing a full marathon would have seemed unthinkable not too long ago. Surely this is a distance possible only by motorised transport and/or air miles.

But then I learned about Sense, a national charity that supports people who are deafblind and those with complex disabilities, and it has given me the motivation to push beyond what I ever thought myself capable of. Their mission is to help individuals be understood, connected and valued, which resonated with me deeply.

I know from close personal experience how important communication is in our world and the impact it can have on those with barriers in place. My daughter Lexi was diagnosed as hearing impaired at two and I have seen first hand the obstacles she has had to overcome and still faces.

Lexi is fortunate that she can access the assistance she needs through the use of hearing aids but not all hearing impaired children are this lucky and I am keen to raise as much money to support as many people in that position as possible.

Everyone who knows Lexi talks about her sunny disposition, she really is an absolute joy, but I am aware life would have been very different for her had she not been able to access sound. She's my inspiration!

That's why I'm asking for your support in helping me reach my fundraising goal of £1,950. Every donation will go towards unlocking barriers to communication and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Thank you so much for any support you can provide - it really does make all the difference.