‍I’ve been roped into a half marathon… and here’s why I’m actually doing it

Hi, I'm Lisa!

I’ve been roped into doing this half marathon. I tried one ten years ago, trained maybe twice, and… didn’t actually do it. This time, it’s different. It all started when I stood far too close to a good friend who runs actual marathons. Standing this close to amazingness, how could I say no to half a one?!

So, last winter, I started running. Got myself plantar fasciitis. Stopped for two months. Still have plantar fasciitis. But I’m running anyway. I’m determined. I’m doing it this time, and I have a purpose: raising money for parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people who are navigating trauma and emotional dysregulation every single day.

Anyone who’s ever run a real marathon knows it’s exhausting. Now imagine doing it every day, without medals, finish lines, or cheering crowds - but with meltdowns, sensory overloads, sleepless nights, and the emotional toll of advocating for your child in systems that don’t always understand them. That’s what these parents and carers do.

At Jaskulla Mentoring CIC, we work with children at risk of school exclusion, many of whom are neurodivergent and have experienced trauma. We see the toll it takes on their parents and carers - the love, the commitment, the constant fight to stay patient and hopeful, often with little space to offload or breathe.

That’s why we’re launching trauma-informed 2-hour parent group sessions for up to 10 parents at a time, so they can:

Here’s what your support could do:

£500 = 3 sessions, supporting up to 30 parents

£1000 = 7 sessions, supporting up to 70 parents

£1500 = 10 sessions, supporting up to 100 parents

And about the running? Well… anyone who knows me has reacted with giggles, gentle jokes, and variations of “I just can’t picture you running.” Which is fair. In the beginning, my lungs seemed ready to evacuate my body in protest, and I was ready to throw in the towel. But I kept going - just like the parents I’m running for, who somehow keep going even when they feel like they can’t.

By now, I’ve run two 10Ks - one just over an hour, one just under - so the plan is to finish the half marathon in under two hours. Every kilometre I run, I do it for these incredible parents and carers. The nice side effect? I’m fitter, healthier, and my mental health is thriving.

If you can, please support me in supporting them. Together, we can give back to the parents who give so much, and build the connections our community needs.