I started running in 2012 with my work run club and joined Thamesmead running club in 2018.

Running with the club had me discovering areas I had never been to, even though I have lived here all my life! The best thing about the club it the sense of community, every weekend I would run and chat to people I would probably never meet in my day to day life. I have made some really good friends though the club, friends who I now not only run with but also travel with, though they do make me run on holiday!

After a bit of gentle nudging I became a run leader in 2021. I love giving back to the community but also sharing the many benefits of running. I have supported two beginners groups and it is so rewarding to see the beginners turn up on week one and balk at the idea of running for 30 seconds to signing up to do a half marathon. I also wanted to show people that runners come in all shapes, sizes and paces. The beginners would tell you one of my favourite phrases is 'if you run you are a runner!'. It doesn't matter how fast or how far you run, you will feel the benefits from just getting out and doing it.