Due to my sister in law losing one of her best friends to cystic fibrosis I decided that I would run the marathon to raise money for her charity. Alice's Motto was"Live life to the full" Alice Martineau was born with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that causes chronic lung and digestive problems for sufferers. Undeterred by the fact that doctors expected her to die in her teens she lived life to the full, gaining a first class honours degree in English and worked as a model. She proved that given a specific goal, the human can for a time overcome the most lethal of diseases .Due to her belief that her condition would prevent her from singing, Alice didn't pursue her musical ambitions until after taking singing lessons and learning that her constant coughing had actually strengthened her diaphragm. Despite her worsening health, Alice played live gigs regularly in London until 2001 and was offered record deals by several companies, only to have them withdrawn when executives discovered that she was seriously ill and on the waiting list for a heart, lung and liver transplant. All three organs needed to come from the same body which she knew was unlikely to be able to happen. However she did manage to record her début album, the haunting Daydreams. It was received with great critical acclaim, including comparisons with Björk, the Cranberries, Beth Orton and Dido When she died in March 2003 the world lost someone deeply special. Alice Martineau had a wonderful talent and she had something special that set her apart from everyone else. Her music is still reaching people today, making them think and feel emotions and bringing happiness to people's lives. Alice Martineau will always live on in our hearts, and let us not forget, each time we play her songs, how special she will always be. A lot of people have said "Poor Alice", patting me on the head. I just think, "Oh please!" I hate being called brave, or any mention of that word. The last thing I want is for people to see me as a victim. When they hear the music, I hope people will realise I'm a singer-songwriter who just happens to be ill. I know times are hard but please donate what you can and help support a very worthy cause! Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cystic Fibrosis Trust gets your money faster and, if you're a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!