I'm attempting to run a half-marathon in October to raise money for Prisoners' Education Trust. I say attempt because the farthest I've ever run is 10k, so I have a lot of training to do over the summer!

Anyone who knows me well knows that I am passionate about the role that education can play in the lives of inmates and their families. During some research I carried out in prisons a couple of years ago, I was struck by the number of people I met who had a bad experience of education before they were incarcerated, and how this made them reluctant to take part in formal education classes and programmes that were on offer in prisons.

I love that Prisoners' Education Trust recognises this fact and strives to help prisoners engage in learning in a variety of ways. They provide access to creative arts, and distance learning in subjects not generally available in prisons. The support and advice they provide is tailored to the individual interests and aspirations of each inmate, so that they can better engage with education and work toward future goals.

PET also carries out important research and works to influence prison education policies and practices. You can read more about the work they do at www.prisonerseducation.org.uk. 

I would really appreciate any support you can provide to help me raise money for something so close to my heart! I'll also appreciate any words of encouragement that will motivate me to get up off my sofa and run around the streets of London in preparation...!

Jayne