I decided to run the London Marathon this year after qualifying for a Championship place and thinking I might not get the opportunity again so I should just tick it off by bucket list now! It's also a great opportunity to fund raise for a charity that has been a huge part of my life growing up and also one that many people won't have been fortunate enough to have heard of yet!

Set in 17 acres of beautiful Cotswold countryside Macaroni Wood provides a respite for inner city children in Lewisham. It was initially set up in the early 1970s with the idea of giving children a countryside break from their inner city lives on the council estates of Deptford, free of charge. It has now grown to accommodate up to 42 people at a time, including a fully equipped specialist block for people with disabilities. Through playing on the rope swings, feeding the chickens and pigs, riding bikes and going on terrifying night walks through the woods, children and young people get to enjoy a vast array of new experiences in a relaxed environment. These opportunities can lead to them engaging in decision making and team leadership skills for the first time in their lives. The centre also supports children and young people to feel empowered and capable of achieving and acting differently on their return to inner city life.

A lot of people might think this is something I'd find easy, being a runner and ex Pentathlete,  and if you'd asked me six months ago I may have agreed. However what I swiftly realised is there is a HUGE difference between training for 1500-3000m races and 26.2 miles, especially with a full time city job!

Anyone who know's me will know I don't do things half heartedly, especially when it comes to sport. I am giving this marathon everything I've got and sacrificing many glasses of midweek vino to pound the streets of London so please sponsor me and help raise money for this incredible charity that provides opportunities for young people who may be less fortunate.

Helena x

P.S. if you visit the website you can even sponsor Prince Humphrey or take part in cycle ride that takes you through all the best pubs in the Cotswolds!