Hi, my name’s Lian.

I like eating pizza, drinking beer and watching TV.

Running is not natural for me- in fact, anyone who who’s known me longer than a few years would know that I used to do no exercise at all - zero.

Three years back I decided to try and do something about that - so much like many folk approaching 30, I downloaded the couch to 5k app.

Rather than the 9 week programme, it took me 8 months, but thanks to Sarah Millican’s voice in my ear, I managed to reach my first 5k run just over three years ago.

I did it. (I didn’t do another 5k for two more months).

But slowly I built up running into my routine.

Last year I set myself the challenge of running a total of 1830km - the equivalent of 5km a day for the entire year.

I ran in 12 countries - on beaches and cities and along canals - on running machines and round loughs, by skyscrapers and through woods - in running clubs and on my own, on lunch breaks, before work and after work, with friends and their friends, in sweltering temperatures and pouring rain, and the snow (and once in a Santa hat).

I reached my goal over two weeks early!

I wasn’t doing this to raise money, or for sponsorship, I was doing it to improve my fitness levels and maintain healthy mental wellbeing.

And I’m pretty chuffed with myself.

Now I would love to celebrate it by showing a good cause some love.

This March, I’ll be running 100 miles for Mermaids, a leading LGBTQ+ charity who’s primary focus is supporting trans, non-binary and gender questioning children and teens, and looking after them and the people in their lives.

Now more than ever, our trans and non-binary youth have become a target for those than want to promote hate. They just want to exist without fear. I think they deserve to thrive.

So I’m joining Miles for Mermaids this march .

So if you want to celebrate me and my unlikely achievement, please do donate to a great cause.

I’m kicking it off with a £100 donation.

Mermaids say: Our amazing supporters are the reason we’re able to keep helping the trans community, year after year. So this March, we’re asking you to get active with your fundraising by taking on Miles for Mermaids.