My Story

2nd October 2022, I was watching the London Marathon together with my mum, who flew from Italy to come and spend my birthday with me. We were standing there, clapping and encouraging every runner, supporting their effort and I remember looking at my mum, her eyes filled with excitement, and I said “Next year I will run it for you!”. Unfortunately, the ballot was closed and I couldn’t get in, but I promised her that one day she would be standing in that same spot, this time clapping for me.

I was never a runner, I could practice any other sport, apart from running. Then in January 2023, thanks to an initiative at work to raise funds for Red January I decided to join a weekly running club.

I hated running. I couldn’t go more than 1km, I would run out of breath immediately and feel so lost. I have embraced this uncomfortable feeling and week after week, thanks to the support of my colleagues and friends, I have learned that I can push myself more and started seeing amazing results.

After 12 weeks I decided to sign up for my first 10km to support a friend who was raising funds for Black Minds Matter. Completed the race in less than 1 hour I felt so empowered and inspired by the energy of every participant and I thought I was able to create a little change, just by tying up my running shoes.

Few weeks after I decided to run my first official 10km organised by Runthrough and felt unstoppable. My friends had followed me (virtually and physically) during the preparation and the race, and it filled my heart with joy and pride.

At that stage our weekly running club was also performing very well, we had a lot of teammates joining, inspired by the results and spirit, and we decided to run another 10km as a team in May. On that occasion, I also fundraised for Refuge, the largest single provider of specialist domestic and gender-based violence services, aligning my newly discovered passion for running with the work I am doing with my business, Wempower.

On that occasion, I decided I was going to run further and signed up for my first half marathon. Trained all summer and proudly crossed the finishing line on the 3rd of September, fundraising for Amnesty International.

When crossing the finishing line, surrounded by an incredible crowd, and with my mum watching me through a video call, I knew it was time to keep that promise.

Running is now part of me and my routine. Is almost a form of meditation, a space where I know I can achieve anything. 

I know that when I set my mind on something, I can achieve it. And my mind now is on the London Marathon...would you help me to achieve this other incredible milestone?

I am running the London Marathon for London Sport, a charity that exists to help all Londoners live longer, healthier, and happier lives through being active.  

You can follow my running journey here. 

Please leave your name when making a donation so I know who to thank 😊