Initially I got a place for the London Marathon in 2021, but I tore my calf muscle and had to defer. In the end though this led to me running for Canine Partners; me and my boyfriend became ‘puppy parents’ earlier this year after I chatted to the lovely ladies at a Canine Partners stand at Dogfest in Guildford. I didn’t realise how much it took to raise an assistance dog, so thought I’d use my ballot place and fundraise for a charity which has quickly become a large part of my life.

Training hadn’t gone as I had hoped. For one reason and another, this year has been tough on my physical and mental health, but I got a place in the ballot for the London Marathon the first time of trying, and I wasn’t going to give that up in a hurry! With train strikes the day before the marathon threatening chaos, I went up early and stayed with my cousin who thoughtfully moved back to the UK from Australia just a couple of months ago and chose to live 20 minutes walk from the marathon start (thanks Mel!).

On Sunday morning I think I must have had the quietest walk of any participant, up side streets (not the main routes from the station) until I turned a corner to see thousands of people all nervous and excited, ready to get going! Once I’d dropped off my bag, I was ready to go and join my wave – I was setting off in the final wave of the day (I’m not fast!).

Before I knew it we were off. The first few miles were a blur; so many people, supporters cheering, dogs to high five along the way! My cousin met me at the 5 mile marker to cheer me on, and I was still feeling fresh. Running around Cutty Sark in the sunshine was a definite highlight of the first half of the route.

The biggest highlight of the day, even for a slower runner, are the crowds over Tower Bridge. It’s the epicentre of the charity support on the route and the roar of everyone shouting your name and encouraging you brought me to tears (something that has never happened in an event before!).

At 18 miles my cousin met me again – this time with mini cheddars which were a godsend, as I’d been surviving on sweet stuff and was fed up with it by this stage. A quick snack break later and I had to get moving again before I stiffened up.

Before I knew it 20 miles were done, and there were only 6 to go! They were slow, painful miles, but coming down the embankment there was such great relief and emotion in knowing that this was it – I was going to finish it no matter what!

Turning into the finish straight I picked up whatever pace I had left and ran as if I hadn’t just done a marathon! I high fived everyone sitting in the hospitality area, ducked under that finish line, and got my well earned medal.

I managed to raise enough for 2 starter puppy packs, which is double what I set out to raise so I’m incredibly touched by the generosity of those who sponsored me. As Canine Partners is a small charity, I hope that if anyone reading this gets a ballot place in the London Marathon they would consider fundraising for such a wonderful organisation.

Just to top it all off – my boyfriend has got a place in the 2023 London Marathon through the ballot and will also be fundraising for Canine Partners! Now just to persuade him to dress up as one of the pups….

Could you fundraise for Canine Partners? To find out more and get inspiration for your next adventure, please visit caninepartners.org.uk/take-on-a-challenge