My Story

Ability Bow support people with disabilities and/or long-term mental and physical health conditions to do exercise in their accessible gym 💪🏼🏋️🧑🏿‍🦽

I’m really excited and lucky to have a place to run the London Marathon for them.

I’ve seen firsthand how important physical exercise is to mental health. I’ve also seen that isolation, mental and/or physical illness can create a vicious cycle, stopping people from accessing much-needed exercise. As a dramatherapist who works with trauma in the body, the evidence is clear - ‘the body speaks’ and mental health, nervous systems and physical health are intrinsically linked 🧠 🩻 

Lockdowns reminded me how many obstacles can prevent people exercising - access to outdoor space, money, inaccessible equipment, childcare, physical illness, anxiety, depression and other mental distress. I want to raise money to support Ability Bow to continue breaking down barriers so that all people can access exercise.

2020 was a year of loss in so many ways, worldwide and personally. My Stepdad was diagnosed with rare and aggressive bile duct cancer. He died two months later, a month before his 66th birthday. A week after my Stepdad died my Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer 💔

Fantastically, prostate cancer is curable and I am supporting my Dad with his physical and mental well-being.

(Edit: Dad is in remission and cancer-free! 🎉)

Both my Dad and Stepdad have been social workers. They both worked with people with mental illness as well as struggling with their own mental health. I’ve certainly never thought of myself as sporty, nor my Dad or Stepdad, though some of the most special memories I have - because of how good they made me feel - are doing sporting activities with them  🚴🏼‍♀️ 🏊🏼‍♀️

My Dad, having lost his leg to a drunk driver, normalised the amazing abilities of all bodies my entire life. I remember my childhood pride as people watched him hopping into the deep end at York Hall pool and getting out, again and again. Taking my brother and I to London Docks, getting into a wetsuit and onto a jet ski, ensuring we watched the London Marathon wheelchair racers and being a stellar goalie🦿💪🏼

My Stepdad was an everyday cyclist and weekend walker. He gave excellent piggy back rides and was an amazing climbing frame. We swam, snorkelled and sand-dune-jumped. We played football, cricket and rounders. He got me back on the saddle when I fell off cycling the Cornwall Camel Trail 🚲 💪🏼

Between them, my Dad and Stepdad taught me to ride my bike. The last thing my stepdad and I did together before he became ill was fixing my bike.

I do love a challenge! It feels good after the shocks and sadness of the last two years. I know my stubbornness will get me across that finish line, jogging, walking or crawling!

I have a minimum target of £1,450 to raise (before GiftAid*) and would love to smash that. Every penny and pound will be hugely appreciated by myself and Ability Bow ☺️ 

I’ll be running with (Bow) bells on!

With thanks and love.

*If you pay tax in the UK, please tick yes to GiftAid. It means the government will add 25p for every £1 you donate, at no extra cost to you.