My Story

I'm excited to be lacing up my running shoes and taking on the 2026 TCS London Marathon, my 3rd time running the London Marathon & this time running it for The National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS). 

NYAS is an amazing charity that I have volunteered with for over 2 years as an Independent visitor, supporting a care experienced young person.

Being an independent visitor is about being a consistent person in their life, who listens without judgment and supports them as they navigate life whilst doing fun and sometimes scary things 🙈they wish to do and enjoy.

We meet up once a month and have done lots of different things over the years. We love a game of bowling - a bit of healthy competition between us!, followed by their favourite dinner at McDonalds, visited London Zoo, went to the theatre & cinema and even learnt how to make donuts. These are just some of the things we have been able to do with funds raised or donated to NYAS. 

Each meet up I ensured we had time to chat about life and sometimes talk through the particular challenges they were facing. Seeing life through their eyes and supporting them through the upcoming challenges they were facing was both a privilege and a humbling experience - their resilience and determination is one that I will carry with me on my training runs and on the big day!

Volunteering for NYAS has been one of the best things I have ever done and it's why I am so delighted to be running for this charity.

I have two wishes - to raise as much money as I can so the children supported by NYAS can have an IV and access to funds so they can have fun and go on experiences which would otherwise not be possible.

And that I enjoy the marathon experience, run it the best I can with the supoort of my running coach Tamara, my family and friends and proving that women in their 50s can take on epic challenges 🤣

I really appreciate any sponsorship you are able to give! But more importantly I know it makes a huge difference to that those who will benefit from your donations - thank you for any amount you can give on their behalf 🙂

Below shows how it could be spent.

£15 could fund a call to the NYAS National Helpline, giving a child access to confidential support and guidance.

£30 could cover the cost for a volunteer and a young person to meet, giving them access to a consistent and reliable role model and friend.

£50 could enable NYAS to raise a child in care’s voices through advocacy and participation.

Every penny raised will enable NYAS to continue to support, safeguard and empower care experienced children, young people and adults in vulnerable situations.

About NYAS

At NYAS, we provide essential advocacy and legal representation for care-experienced children, young people and vulnerable adults.

 Our influence extends beyond individual lives; we’re a force for systemic change, tirelessly campaigning to secure a world where children’s rights are upheld and celebrated.

Every donation makes a difference, enabling children in care to be heard, and feel safe and empowered as they navigate their journeys toward