I'll be celebrating turning 50 by running the London Marathon 2025 for the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS). By way of a 'practice event', I ran the Jersey Marathon in October 2024 - my first marathon. Of course it was hard but I did it, enjoyed it and most importantly it hasn't put me off doing the London Marathon!

As a woman of a certain age, I'm becoming increasingly conscious of the importance of good bone health. In addition, through working in schools, I've realised that it's not just adults who suffer from osteoporosis - children can also be affected and this has a massive effect on their young lives.

In the UK, over 3.5 million people are living with osteoporosis - this means that their bones are more likely to break, even from a minor bump or fall. With spinal fractures, the long-term effects include back pain and spasms, curvature of the spine and loss of height. This can rob those affected of self-confidence, reducing independence and making everyday activities a challenge.

The ROS is driving research for the development of new medications and treatments to beat osteoporosis with the aim of "a future with no more broken bones and no more broken lives". I'm hoping this fundraising journey will help me to raise awareness as well as money for this great cause.

Thank you for helping to support this important cause by sponsoring me today.