GIVING TIME TO HELP OTHERS IS THE BEST TIME OF ALL

It had been a tricky couple of weeks. My daughter had been in and out of hospital, and the days had taken their toll - the not knowing, not sleeping, waiting for doctors, having tests, driving up to visit, staying over, worrying. Even though she's moved out, the parenting never ends, and it was with relief that I dropped her off after she'd been discharged, healthy again.

- PAUL TONKINSON

The early twenties is a manic phase of life. When I listen to her, everything seems accelerated. She feels pressure to go out, work, be funny, look good, get a decent boyfriend, be spiritual, write journal entries, post on social media. I'm constantly telling her to relax. Especially now - it was now time to rest, eat well, ease off the clubbing and get some air. Walk every day.

The next morning, she rings me up and says she wants to run a marathon. "I just think it would be good to do a challenge." Her knowledge is limited.

"How far is it?" she asks. It's 42.2 kilometres, I tell her.

"Oh wow. That's far. So you need stamina?" she asks. I explain that yes, she will need stamina.

"Will you help me?"