My Story

On Sunday 21 April I will again be running the 26.2 miles of the London Marathon for the amazing Carers Trust to raise as much money as I can to support the millions of unpaid carers across the UK.

Carers Trust is a major charity for, with and about carers.  They work to improve support, services and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or addiction problems.  Their vision is that unpaid carers count and can access the help they need to live their lives.

As many of you know, I cared for my Dad until he died just after his 96th birthday and therefore know only too well what it takes to care for someone.  It takes over your life completely, and you can feel totally overwhelmed, lost and exhausted by the sheer enormity of it all and everything that goes with it.

That's why when I got the opportunity to run again for the Carers Trust, I jumped at the chance.  

Just a few facts....

Three in five of us will become unpaid carers at some point in our lives.

Just to explain, an unpaid carer is anyone who looks after a family member (husband, wife, partner, parent, child) or friend due to illness, disability, a mental health problem, addition - who is unable to cope without their support. 

There are roughly seven million unpaid carers in the UK today - a huge number of people.  However, the invaluable role they play in society often goes unnoticed. 

Personal lives, careers, relationships and free time are often sacrificed to look after that person - and without this contribution our health and social care system would collapse. 

So please help me give support this valuable organisation.

I ran London last year (for this wonderful charity) and although running it was an incredible experience, I distinctly remember saying (as I crossed the finish line), that I would never do that again....!  Not only does the training take over your life, but obviously on the day itself, running 26.2 miles is no mean feat!   But, there was something about that day - the crowds, the support, the atmosphere - that just gets you through. 

And this year, as well as running to raise money for the Carers Trust, I will be running it with my son Tom.  A bucket list moment for me.  My dad would be so, so proud to watch us both taking part.  I'm sure he'll be supporting from above on the day and willing us on.  As he would say 'marvellous'.

I again just want to get round in one piece and am not going to make any promises about running super fast, but I will be giving it everything I've got.  

So.... please, if anyone would like to support me, I would massively appreciate any donation to help to support my cause! 

Thanks so much!

Lou x