In 2026, I’m taking on three running challenges again; 10k winter run, the London half, the royal parks half— and I should probably clarify something.

I am not a natural runner.

I don’t glide.

I don’t “love the burn.”

And I have never once described a long run as “fun.”

But I do believe in purpose.

This year, I’ll once again be raising money for Winston’s Wish, a charity supporting children and young people after the death of a parent or sibling.

In the UK, it’s estimated that around one child in every classroom will lose a parent or sibling before the age of 16. That’s not a rare tragedy. That’s everyday reality for many families.

As a mother of three boys who lost their father when they were very young, I know that statistic is not theoretical. I’ve seen how grief sits in a home. How it shows up in different ways. How resilience isn’t automatic — it needs support.

Winston’s Wish provides that support. Practical guidance. Specialist bereavement counselling. Safe spaces for children to process loss properly, not bury it.

So I run.

Not because I’m built for it.

Not because I enjoy every mile.

But because discomfort for a few hours is nothing compared to what some children are learning to carry.

There will be heavy legs. There will be mornings when the trainers feel particularly offensive. But every session is a reminder that this is bigger than me.

Three challenges. Again.

A slightly reluctant runner.

A very clear purpose.

If you’d like to support the fundraising, share the message, or even jog a mile alongside me — I’d be hugely grateful.

#strongertogether

#kiakaha