My name is Jacqueline Millard and I live in Canberra. I am a fit and healthy 67 year old retired school teacher. I enjoy spending time with my 3 young grandchildren and like to think, by living an active life, I am a role model to them.

Most years I travel to Sydney to participate in the City to Surf. My daughter joined me this year and we had a great time. Every year participants are encouraged to make a donation to a charity. I enjoy the atmosphere of the day and the community spirit.

One of my passions is travelling which I have been able to continue during my retirement.

As a way of travelling around Australia I have decided to do a half marathon in every state or territory over one year.

 I have always wanted to do more for our indigenous people. Trying to work out what that could be was a bit of a dilemma.

I had heard of Rob de Castella's work with the Indigenous Marathon Foundation and was inspired by the wonderful stories of the participants and the amazing outcomes that were being achieved. My dilemma was over. I knew what was to be done.

So, last year, in 2020, I gave myself the challenge of running a half marathon in every state or territory of Australia. I made a good start at the Cadbury Half Marathon in Hobart, Tasmania. I posted 'one down and 7 to go'. And then ..........COVID. The end of my project for 2020 but I was not deterred. I kept running- during lockdown exercise was allowed. During the year I did a few virtual runs.

So in 2021 I am back on the road again. Still 'one down and 7 to go'. My second half marathon is happening on the 11th April in my home city of Canberra.  Along the way some of my friends and family are going to join me (there is always the 5km walk).I will also be exploring the local area and joining up with some camping/walking tours in the days after the running event.

 I would be very appreciative if you could sponsor me per event over the year. All donations go to Footprints which is the Indigenous Marathon Foundation's charity. I have 7 more half marathons to complete. My first was on the 12th January, 2020 in Hobart (Tasmania) at the Cadbury Marathon Event. Travelling around Australia in 2021 I will continue with The Australian Running Festival (April, ACT),  Gold Coast half marathon (July, Queensland), Australian Outback Marathon, Uluru (July, Northern Territory), the Adelaide half marathon (August, South Australia),  the Sydney Running Festival (September, NSW) and the Melbourne Marathon Festival (October, Victoria) My eighth and final half marathon will be in November at the Freemantle Running Festival (Western Australia).

UPDATE: Two days until my second half marathon. This Sunday, 11th of April, in Canberra.

Thank you, Jacqueline Millard