On the 21st April this year, I was watching one of the most famous charity running events in the world, when i thought to myself “I want to do this” and in true Tasha style, without processing or thinking about what it really involves (i tend to get an idea in my head and HAVE to do it yesterday ) I applied and lo and behold on the 26th June, I got that email to say I have got a place through the ballot process which I have since found out is pretty rare to get especially on your first attempt at applying!!

Yes, I am talking about the LONDON MARATHON (27th April 2025).

So here I am, the most unfittest I have ever been, haven't been for a run or really exercised, I’ve eaten too much, consumed too much alcohol and not really cared about my physical health for 3 years. But what I do have is determination and when I get something in my head… I do not stop until I achieve it. As I am in through the ballot, it gives me freedom on the charity I wish to raise money for, instead of raising money for a charity registered with TCS London marathon organision (which are all incredible btw, but I knew who I wanted to do it for since the start)

So about the incredible charity I am supporting. The OGGA foundation - the B.R.A.V.E project (Bereaved, Re-Adjusting, Various Emotions) has been set up, to offer much needed support to children and young people who have heartbreakingly experienced parent loss. This was set up following the tragic passing of a much loved and well known local man David Archer who sadly lost his life in November 2023, leaving behind 2 beautiful children. His wife so selflessly set this charity up, to not only honour her beloved husband, but to also enable children and young people who have suffered parent loss to feel heard, to feel part of a community, to be listened to and to feel supported in what is the most excruciating and confusing loss a child can go through. This will include regular meet ups, events and access to counselling, all of which will be funded by the foundation. But this cannot be done without the help and support of others through donations and support.

For me, choosing this charity was a no brainer. From the second I applied for the marathon I told my husband this is the charity I will do it for if I am lucky enough to get a place through the ballot.

Following the passing of my own brother in 2021, who left behind 4 beautiful children, we learnt very quickly the lack of support in the local area for the children left behind. So this charity is so very close to my heart and I feel absolutely honoured that the founders of this charity have welcomed me to do the marathon for their amazing cause and have been nothing but amazing and supportive.

Approximately 1 in 20 children experience parent loss during their childhood. This devastating loss has a lasting impact throughout the rest of their childhood, into adulthood. Support services in this area are few and far between (there are some incredible services out there, but wait times are so extremely long) and we all know our NHS services are stretched and the wait times are very long. This is SUCH a much needed service, please please join me in supporting them 

I know money is tight for many people right now, and I’ll never ask for big donations, but anything, anything you can spare… literally even a penny… I will do the happiest happy dance 

Over the next 9 months, I will be hopefully organising some marathon fundraising events, I will also be documenting my training journey via TikTok which will be completely raw and honest - the highs, the lows, the pain, the tears, the laughter, the triumph, the achievements, the training programmes, the diet, the learning… everything. Link below for that, I’d be so grateful if people will follow me on this exciting yet terrifying journey.

Thanks so much 

Link to TikTok (have not yet started to upload anything) but please follow me  let’s get the word out there together.

https://www.tiktok.com/@couchto_42k?_t=8o6D2o6KLkf&_r=1