A Truronian woman is running the London Marathon to raise funds for Armed Forces charity SSAFA, in appreciation of its support during difficult times.

Jacky Aubrey’s family moved around frequently due to her father’s work in the RAF, and the link continued when her husband John joined in 2007.

Jacky has struggled with depression and anorexia since her early 20s, and recently started having daily non-epileptic seizures that can last anything from a couple of minutes to over an hour, putting her life on hold until they subside. She called on SSAFA (Soldiers', Sailors', and Airmen's Families Association) for help.

“I’ve been struggling with my physical and mental health for years, and the seizures have been especially tough to deal with,” said Jacky, who lives in High Wycombe now with John and their children, Freya and Zac.

“My SSAFA caseworker has been amazing. She’s helped me find medical assistance, liaised with doctors and schools, and is someone I can talk to about anything. My husband also has a caseworker who helps him with his own needs.”

Jacky finds running helps to lessen the frequency and severity of her seizures. She has completed the Brighton and Liverpool Marathons and tried six times to secure a London Marathon ballot place. She is thrilled to succeed on her seventh attempt, and for the benefit of the charity that has helped her and her family so much.

“It’s ok to not be ok all of the time,” she added. “I’ve endured a lot over the last few years, and I hope that by running the London Marathon, I can raise awareness of mental health struggles. I can safely say that without the support from my SSAFA caseworker, I wouldn’t be alive today.”

SSAFA exists to ensure no-one in the Armed Forces family ever battles alone. Donate at www.justgiving.com/page/jaclyn-aubrey-1712908907178.