Amy Coombe

I am attempting my first marathon this year and I'm both excited and shit scared!

On June 22nd, it will be my 40th birthday. I have always had a private little dream tucked away within my heart that maybe I could kick start 40 by showing myself just how mentally, physically and emotionally strong I have become over the past 40 years of my life. 

I've just signed up for my first ever marathon which is being held 8 days after my 40th birthday. 

I feel excited, eager, proud, sick, shaky and beyond nervous but what 40 years of living has taught me is that those feelings are a sign that I am stepping outside of my comfort zone and attempting to do something I've never done before - they are not an indication of my ability and they are definitely not a reason to hold myself back from trying. 

My life has been full to the brim with some of the highest highs; I have achieved dreams and personal goals that I never ever thought possible both personally and professionally. I am so proud of some of the adventures that I have had the courage to take myself on. Yet I have also felt the very depths and pain of real darkness; pain that at times I haven't been sure I would be able to find a way through. I have battled mental demons that felt unbearable, I have lost more than my heart could at times take and I have faced my self and my shadows in every way possible leaving me with the most unbreakable certainty around who I am and more importantly who I am not. 

It's taken me 40 years to work out who Amy Lee is and I really like her! 

I have no idea if this goal is achievable and if I'll be able to cross that finish line but I will be giving this everything I've got and will walk away so immensely proud of myself for just having the courage to give it a go and try. 

If you'd like to support me on this run, with this very personal dream and at the same time support this important organisation, I would be so truly grateful. 

Amy x