On 13th April, I’m running the Paris marathon to raise money for Shared Harmonies, a local CIC that delivers community singing in Yorkshire. Their groups have a massive impact (tangible and measured) on wellbeing for people living with dementia, Parkinson’s, respiratory conditions, cancer and mental health challenges.

10 years ago I ran the New York marathon for Macmillan for a big birthday… and vowed I never would again.

Cut to 2025, my Mum (Pat) is living with a long-term health condition and I’m feeling the pull to fundraise again. Over the years, fundraising has been a powerful source of healing for me. Raising money for good causes gives you autonomy, when you might otherwise feel out of control. It's such a gift.

By luck or fate, I recently met the force of nature that is Emma (founder and beating heart of Shared Harmonies). The impact she has on people living with dementia is huge and I want to help fund a group (each group costs £5,000/year to run).

Small community organisations like Shared Harmonies make our local communities tick. They’re vital, and yet facing greater challenge and risk than ever before due to funding cuts.

So, here we are. 10 years older, nowhere near as fit…and a lot less bothered about running for time/glory.

This time I’m running for my Mum and for joy. I won’t be aiming for a time. I’ll be going against all my striving tendencies, determined to simply enjoy the experience and the sights of Paris.

It will be a test of my ability to just go with the flow, as well as my ability to endure 26.2 miles.

Please get behind us all – me, my gorgeous Mum, Emma and her precious singing groups.