BLOG: Why I'm running the London Marathon for Carers Trust

I'm Louise Cowley and I'm running the London Marathon on Sunday 21st March for Carers Trust to support unpaid carers.

Caring for someone is never easy. You step into the role naturally and really without knowing what sort of journey you have ahead of you or for the person that you're caring for.

For me, I became a carer to my dad in the last few years of his life. Although I would do it all again in a heartbeat, it took a toll physically, mentally, and at times I can't begin to tell you how lost I felt and that was all with my own family's support too.

I had to work from home, I have my own business which allowed me to work from home for over a year, and I missed social events even popping to the shops in the last 6 months had to be properly planned thought through.

Running was an escape for me then and now. During that time, me, my dog and his dog (a giant poodle!) embarked on a running streak for 14 months until I unfortunately injured myself!

So when I got the chance to run the London marathon for this brilliant charity, I jumped at it. It's an invaluable organisation and I'm so proud to be supporting other unpaid carers through Carers Trust.

I'm also lucky enough to be running the London Marathon this year with my son, who helped enormously with caring for my dad including leaving his job for a few months to help, which makes this even more special.

You can support me here.