Claire’s Virtual London Marathon

After many years of wanting to compete in the London Marathon, I finally decided that 2022 was going to be the year and entered the ballot. I was then so gutted when the email arrived saying ‘not this time’!

However…I then thought why not join the virtual London Marathon instead!! Same distance just a different challenge.

For those of you who don’t know me, I love a challenge and can be incredibly determined when I put my mind to something - stubborn - and also super competitive!! I was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis 2 and a half years ago and as a result I constantly feel tired. I had to stop running for a while, but have now got myself back into it and have realised how much better it makes me feel. It’s the time when I can switch off from the world around me - and listen to my cheesy music in peace!!

To keep me motivated whilst running the 26.2 miles - as I won’t have the crowds of London - I would love to know I was raising a huge amount of money for the charity Zimkids!! I have seen this charity grow from the very beginning and have been fortunate to visit Zimbabwe several times to support the work that they do.

Zimkids works with the whole family to help them get out of poverty. One of the ways it does this is through educating the next generation.

Education is a major part in breaking the poverty cycle. School in Zimbabwe is an impossibility for most, due to crippling costs and cultural pressures to send children to work

With my job I see first hand how important an education is. Its easy to take for granted how lucky we are to get this for free! My aim is to raise enough money to pay for 2 children’s primary education (6 years each).

Running my first marathon is going to be a massive personal challenge for me, but also a chance to raise money for an amazing charity.

So, if you would like to give me a reason to keep running, please donate below. Any amount will make a difference! Thank you 😊