Julia's Marvellous Marathon Challenge!

I'm running the London Marathon!

Apparently if you run, you're a runner! It doesn't matter how fast or how far.  Every time I tie my laces for a run I feel like a complete fraud and my first running steps feel ridiculous.   I always have to remember how it makes me feel after and the words pinned to my fridge "The more I run, the more I love my body, not because it's perfect, far from it, but because with every mile it's proving to me that I am capable of more than I ever thought possible".  Running started as a necessity for me, squeezing in walks for our gorgeous black Labrador, whilst caring for my, then, young children.  Walks turned into runs to get our energetic Lab out further in a shorter space of time.  He was my running companion, he never missed a run.  I still miss the sound of his panting steps beside me. Since then I've run on and off. Never fast or too far and probably more off than on.  I've run the odd half marathon (years ago) and always got to the end and wondered who on earth would try to run that distance all over again.  Apparently I would!?!

My motivation, two amazing charities! I have had the pleasure and privilege to work for both my chosen charities, witnessing their profound impact on individuals at different stages of life.  Fulham Reach Boat Club uses sport as a development tool by providing access to rowing to a cross-section of community, especially those who are most in need due to financial hardship or social circumstances and helps them realise their full potential both on and off the water.  In this academic year alone, through just one of FRBC's programmes, they have reached over 1,000 state school children increasing their activity levels, improving their water safety, confidence and teamworking skills whilst boosting their mental and social health.  Alexander Devine Children's Hospice provides specialist care and support to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families, across Berkshire and into surrounding counties.  When I joined Alexander Devine we were a team of 3, working with Alexander's Mum, to help her and her family build a much needed community care team and hospice.  We did everything from cake sales, to capital campaign launches, to 100s of community talks, to mass participation events, topping out ceremonies and everything else in-between.  They are now a team of 40+, supporting 165 children and providing 17,455+ hours of care and support for families a year.  I keenly follow their progress and still volunteer when I can.

I am running for these charities because I can and to provide underserved young people in London with opportunity and hope through the power of sport and to help provide a wraparound support system for families and their children in Berkshire who may feel that they've lost all hope, until they find the care and compassion of the Alexander Devine team and hospice.

The London Marathon presents a humongous challenge for me.  I have entered the ballot many times, horrified but hopeful I finally got a ballot place in 2022.  I embarked on the training last year, to get to week 12 and 17 miles of the training programme when my knee gave way. I deferred my place  to 2024 and have just surpassed week 12!  The countdown has begun and I can't wait to join the largest annual fundraising event on the planet on 21st April!!

This marathon isn't just a huge personal challenge, it's an opportunity to make a difference. I hope you can sponsor me and help me get round the course and make that difference to the beneficiaries of Fulham Reach Boat Club and Alexander Devine Children's Hospice. Thank you so much.

See more about these amazing charities here: Fulham Reach Boat Club, Alexander Devine Children's Hospice.  You can read more about them in their charity links below.