My Story

This year on the 21st April I will be running the London Marathon for Mencap. I'm slightly terrified of the challenge but also so excited and honoured to be raising money for this charity.

As a speech and language therapist, part of my job is working with amazing children and young adults with learning disabilities. I'm in awe of their strength and resilience all the time. While I'm incredibly grateful I can celebrate their successes and help them through their challenges as best as I can during their time at school, they will need this support to continue throughout their life.

People with a learning disability face inequalities in every area of life. Almost 1 in 3 young people with a learning disability spending less than 1 hour outside their home on a typical Saturday. 

They face barriers finding a job, accessing activities in their local community and receiving good quality healthcare. Mencap tackle these issues head on by providing individualised support to encourage greater independence. 

Mencap give expert advice and information that empowers people and their families. They campaign relentlessly for changes to bring greater equality for people with a learning disability. 

I'm definitely not a natural runner so this is going to be a struggle... but I'll be thinking of my students' joy when they achieve a milestone while I run and how much of an impact a charity like Mencap can make.

Please join me in spreading the message of inclusion and equal opportunities for all. Your donations will not only motivate me during training but will also help Mencap empower individuals with learning disabilities to live the life they choose, and do the things they love. Every contribution, big or small, will make a tremendous difference.  

Thank you so much and wish me luck!