I am a middle aged Mum of teenagers and a secondary school teacher running my first distance run in the 2023 London Marathon. I have witnessed first hand the challenges facing our children and young people which have been aggravated by living through a pandemic. There are incredible services out there but a lack of funding leaves too many waiting for support and struggling through everyday life, trying to achieve their academic potential at a time when, as adults we might step back from our responsibilities. This can lead to life long consequences for our children and young people in terms of their opportunities in all aspects of life. I would like to support OTR to provide more of their excellent services and also my school’s amazing families group, The Beacon Friends Association to contribute towards the cost of the excellent counsellor currently working with our students. Any contribution will have an impact on the life of a young person. Thank you for reading my story.