I am Nicola Dyer, previously Dunning. I have lived in Yateley for 4 years now with my Husband and our 2 dogs... and since writing this I would like to announce we are due to have our first baby at the end of August!

I have been given the incredible opportunity to run the London Marathon on behalf of a local charity I've had the pleasure of volunteering at for the last few years.

Vision 4 Youth help support the young people in Yateley and surrounding areas by offering a safe space for them to visit, organising activities for them and can also help with work experience opportunities.

My role has included volunteering at our youth club in the evenings and also during local fayre days at the club to help spread the word about the charity and what it can offer.

The charity have secured a place in the London Marathon 2025, and asked if any of their volunteers would like to take part.

I started my running journey with Sandhurst Joggers 'pure beginners' program back in 2022 and I completed my first Parkrun with them. I have since taken part in the

Yateley 10k series in 2024 and completed my first half marathon in Bournemouth in October, then Farnborough and Fleet half marathons earlier this year.

I feel this is an incredible opportunity to continue my training and put myself forward to raise the funds and run for this local charity - so here I am, baby and all!

I'm super grateful for the opportunity to run and to be able to continue with my training during my pregnancy. It hasn't been an easy journey, but I'm very much looking forward to the 'lap of honour' and me and bump crossing the finish line on 27th April!