Hi there

In April 2010 I will be running my first marathon, the London Marathon, in aid of DebRA.   As if running a marathon isn't challenging enough I have set myself a fundraising challenge too - a marathon is 26 miles and 385 yards so I have decided to raise £26,385!

Why DebRA you might ask and how the heck am I going to raise £26,385?  Good questions!

If you are not familiar with DebRA, the disease EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa) it is a genetic condition where the skin breaks at the slightest touch, causing painful, open blisters and wounds.  EB can mean a life of extreme pain, disability and, at its worst it is fatal in infancy. People with severe EB are likely to contract a fatal skin cancer. DebRA provides specialist EB nursing, funds extensive medical research and provides counselling, welfare, respite and advocacy.   I first came across the charity when I saw the documentary about Jonny Kennedy, "The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off".  If you haven't seen it I strongly recommend you hop onto the Channel 4 website or youtube and take a look, but be warned, do not watch it without a bumper sized box of tissues.  I defy any of you to watch it without feeling compelled to support this charity.

How am I going to raise £26,385?!?  Well, I am hoping to find 26,385 fabulous people who will sponsor me £1 (or more, don't let me be accused of inhibiting anyone's generosity!)That's only 3.82p a mile - a bargain! 

Obviously I don't know 26,385 people so you are key in this venture.  If you would sponsor me £1 and then encourage a few of your friends, family, colleagues, suppliers, customers, employees, team mates or anyone you can think of to do the same, then we could raise a fantastic sum which could hopefully lead to the eradication of this awful disease.

If you would like to keep track of my progress, both fundraising and training, you can visit my blog at http://www.26385vlm.wordpress.com  I will also be posting thanks on there to people who support me, so who knows, you might even get a mention!

Thanks so much for your support, it might be the only thing keeping me going at mile 25!

Claire x

UPDATED 10th Nov 2009 - I have just discovered that justgiving doesn't accept donations of £1, their minimum donation is £2 (who knew?!?).  Please don't be put off as it isn't me being greedy.  If possible please see if you can encourage a friend or someone in your family to sponsor me also to make up the £2 or visit my blog (http://www.26385vlm.wordpress.com ) for details of another way you can get £1 to me.  If you have any problems email me at sponsorme1pound@hotmail.co.uk