I’m running a half marathon for Alopecia UK because this cause is deeply personal to me in a way that’s hard to fully put into words.

Losing my hair wasn’t just about appearance, it shifted how I saw myself, how I showed up in the world, and at times, how alone I felt. Alopecia can be incredibly isolating, especially when so much of our identity is tied to how we look. There were moments where I didn’t recognise the person in the mirror, and moments where confidence felt completely out of reach. But through that, I also found strength, resilience, and a new understanding of what really matters.

Organisations like Alopecia UK make that journey less lonely. They create safe spaces, provide support when people need it most, and help raise awareness so that fewer people feel misunderstood or invisible. They remind people that they are not alone, and that is everything.

This half marathon will also be the first time I go out and run in public without my wig. That in itself feels just as significant as the race. It’s something that once felt impossible, and now it feels like a step towards freedom, acceptance, and owning every part of who I am.

Running this half marathon is my way of giving something back to a community that means so much to me. It’s not just about the miles or the finish line, it’s about turning something that once felt so heavy into something purposeful. It’s about starting conversations, breaking stigma, and helping someone else feel seen, supported, and understood.

Every step I take is for that. Natalie Brooker