Hi Everyone.  Thank you for taking the time to read my Just Giving Page.

Seven weeks ago I took part in the London Marathon in 4 hours and 34 minutes, which was an amazing achievement, considering I originally thought it would take about six hours!  The sun shone, the atmosphere was buzzing, and my family and good friend were there to support me before, during and after the event.  I am very proud of myself for completing this challenge in my 50th year.  I am still raising funds towards my total, so please give generously.  Thank you.

2012 will be a very special year for me as I will be 50 years old in September, and I want to do something I will be very proud of myself for achieving, and raise funds for a very worthwhile charity.  Back in 2002 when I was 40, I ran the Exeter Half Marathon, swam 20 lengths, and gave blood for the first time (I hate needles!).

The London Marathon was something that kept coming up in my mind as a huge personal achievement.  Having been on the south west fund raising committee for Sparks for two amazing Balls at Sandy Park, Exeter, it seemed the obvious choice to raise much needed funds for their fantastic research projects. (www.sparks.org.uk)

My husband Mike is very supportive, as are my 21 year old daughter Emma, and Simon my son who will be celebrating his 21 birthday on the day of the London Marathon.

During the course of the next three months or so I will be organising various fund raising events.  I will be donating the profit from all my Miglio Jewellery sales in January and February.  Hopefully there will be a Quiz Night – details to follow.  I will be doing car boot sales, cake sales and bag packing at supermarkets.  

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.