I'm Lowri and I work as Communications Coordinator for Stay Up Late. I've spent my whole life saying I'd never run a marathon.
When I started to work for the charity in 2020 and I found out there was a place to run on the Brighton Marathon, a little voice said maybe I could....
At Stay Up Late we fight for learning disabled people to have their right to party. Whatever that means - it might be going out late and seeing music: for me it's getting up early and enjoying exercise and nature.
The charity started the project Gig Buddies to pair learning disabled adults with local volunteers with similar interests so they can choose how they have fun, away from service provider hours and restrictions. This past year has been tough for everyone.
For many learning disabled people, the isolation and loneliness of 2020 is not new - it's something that has to be faced all the time. The additional restrictions and anxiety of this year has also threatened to roll back the years of progress that have been made legally and politically.
For many of our community, getting out and doing what they want is a challenge. So why not challenge myself to do something small to show my solidarity for the incredible people I get to meet and work with every week?
Whether I walk, run or crawl to the finish, this is for everyone we work for. You inspire me to run and I will keep going as long as I can! You have every right to do what you love, enjoy life and feel happy.
