In October I will be running the Dublin Marathon for Her Sport, a charity that seeks to provide a voice for girls and women in sport. Did you know that 50% of girls drop out of sport by the age of 20? Just 6% of media coverage in Ireland goes to women's sport. On top of this, 87% of girls in Ireland do not have high body self-esteem, one of the lowest rates globally. Further a UK-based study shows that more than four in five teenage girls say their interest in sport and fitness diminished after starting their period. But it's more than this. Girls grow up in environments where they see less coverage, fewer role models, and limited support. Over time, that shapes how they see themselves, where they feel they belong and whether they believe sport is for them. The result is not only fewer girls staying in sport, but fewer women progressing into leadership, visibility and influence within it. When girls see themselves in sport, they are far more likely to stay. Because sport does more than build athletes; it builds people, leaders and communities. And when more girls stay in sport, the impact extends far beyond the pitch. Girls who play sport become women who lead. 94% of women in executive managerial positions have a background in sport. 91% of women in leadership roles say that the skills they developed through sport were important to career success. For me, sport has been a lifeline since I first picked up a hockey stick or put on my trainers. It's been a way to cope with my mental health, gain confidence, and learn to love how my body performs. I've gained so much through sport throughout my life, whether in teams as a teenager, on the pitch in school or on runs more recently. I am so excited (and very nervous!) to run 26.2 miles for a charity that aims to support young girls and women through visibility, education, research and advocacy. You can read more about how they do this on their socials :) If she can't see it, she can't be it.