I’m
thrilled to be taking part in the London Landmarks Half Marathon in 2018 as
this year I will be celebrating two other landmarks – my 40th
birthday and 10 years service as a leader with Girlguiding UK.
I live with my husband, Matt, and two daughters, aged 7 and 5 in a village in North Wiltshire and run a small graphic design and print business from a studio at the bottom of my garden. I am the unit Guider of 1st Royal Wootton Bassett Guides - where my leadership journey started 10 years ago, I’m assistant leader with 2nd Royal Wootton Bassett Rainbows - joining with my eldest daughter, I’m assistant District Commissioner for RWB and Lyneham and a member of the Great Western (Swindon) Trefoil Guild.
I became a leader after attending the 2007 World Scout Jamboree, working in the Global Development Village with my then employer, Oxfam. I had such a fantastic time working with lots of other people form all over the world and decided I had to get in on the action! My husband has recently received his 20 year service award for his role as a Scout leader in the village where he was a Cub, Scout and now leader. In fact, he was a Scout when we got together back in 1994!
Guiding is a tradition in my family, I have a photograph of my grandmother camping as a Guide at our county campsite, which is now managed by a committee chaired by my husband.
Last summer I went on my first international Guiding trip to Switzerland and Our Chalet, with 43 Guides and leaders from across our county. I had a fabulous time, made new friends, tried new activities, and soaked up the atmosphere and history of Our Chalet. I’m so grateful for the opportunities Guiding has given me.
2018 is also an important year in history as it’s the Centenary of some women gaining the vote for the first time in the UK, a subject we’ve been working on and celebrating with the young people in my Guide unit.
I started running aged 35 as a means of getting fit after having children and getting some all important head space. I built up gradually and I’ve been a member of my local running club, the Royal Wootton Bassett Hounds, for three years. Last year Girlguiding Wiltshire North entered a 100-strong team in the Race For Life, the girls and leaders raised just under £7,000 for Cancer Research UK and it was a catalyst for other Guide leaders to start their running journey.
Last year I completed my first triathlon and my first marathon and I’m looking forward to three half marathons in 2018, along with numerous 5ks, 10ks, Park Runs, Fun Runs and who knows what else!
The photograph was taken in Adelboden in 2017, just before a high altitude marathon training run.
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