Dear all,

I've completed two 10k runs in the last two months and shaved off 8.34s from my last 10k run in 2015 plus other training, all in preparation for the Edinburgh Half Marathon on Sunday 29th May. I'm running with my sister Naomi, with our family watching on.

I would ask you to please sponsor me by donating to the arts charity, the Southbank Centre. If you haven't been dragged there by me, you've heard me talk about it.

As a former employee and member I passionately believe in their ethos and arts programme - offering diverse, accessible and engaging performance, art and spoken word that is for all to enjoy. It showcases international and homegrown talents, supports local communities and springboards individual endeavours. All in a heritage multi-functional space (you may have seen a pic or two!).

From a personal perspective the Southbank Centre has bought me comfort, offered the opportunity to quietly reflect, feel connected and inspired, and be amongst a community spirit that the arts fosters by bringing together people with shared experiences.

As an arts charity it is funded by the Arts Council (in 2010 Arts Council England saw its budget cut by 29.6% under the Conservative Government), Government, donations, and self-funding through events/enterprise.

The money you donate will allow the Southbank Centre to continue to offer a world-class arts programme, maintain open accessible spaces in a remarkable arts heritage site. Opened in 1951 with the 'Festival of Britain' after a long period of austerity, darkness and confinement of the blitz, and extreme loss to families after the II War World, was a beacon of hope for the future.

Thank you
Eve