On September 13th I will be running half a marathon. The maximum I have ever run is 3 miles, so it is quite a daunting prospect. I have had a pretty traumatic few years with personal and health issues. I really wanted this year to be a positive year. I have been diagnosed with vestibular dysfunction. In short I only have 25% balance function in my left ear. This means I lose my balance without warning and collapse to the floor. I have thought long and hard about whether I should pull out of the run however I am determined to raise money for a few charities that are close to my heart as well as teach my children that whatever is thrown at you in life, you can always find time to achieve goals and bring happiness to others. Life's about what we contribute and not what we take. I am training hard and crossing my fingers and toes in the hope I do not collapse whilst running. Knowing people are behind me helping me raise money will spur me on and keep me going, lifting me up if I fall. I have decided on 3 charities, 2 from UK and 1 New Zealand Charity. If you could spare any money to sponsor me, you can share your contribution between charities or choose just one. I will post the 3 links for the 3 charities. NSPCC work hard to reduce child abuse in the UK. In my professional role and more personally I see the terrible effects of child abuse which are life long and destroys lives. Safeguarding Children Initiative, NZ is a charity I helped set up, it delivers FREE child protection education to communities, professionals and individuals. It has had a fantastic response and the positive outcomes achieved are immeasurable, with child abusers now in prison as a direct response to the training.Martins Hospice cares for children with terminal illness. I feel privileged to have worked at Mary Potter Hospice , New Zealand and feel lucky to have two healthy children, however for those families that have children with a terminal illness the care and support a childrens hospice offers for that final journey is essential. Please, please support these charities by offering any amount however small. The race is on BBC Tv so you can watch from a far.Thank you so very much. Kate xx