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To me, 2013 has been challenging yet extremely rewarding so far.

I have been a regular runner for a number of years but never considered a real challenge until this spring, when I thought it would be a good idea to enter a marathon. The decision on the race itself was a no brainer- Seven Sisters and South Downs would present an opportunity to enjoy the views, I thought at the time of signing up… Little did I know the Beachy Head marathon course is one of the toughest ones in the UK http://mediafiles.thedms.co.uk/Publication/ES/cms/pdf/Beachy_Head_colour_v11.pdf. My trial run in July confirmed just how challenging hills can be! Nevertheless, I managed 18 miles in sub 4, which I am extremely proud of. Yay!

Courtesy of my ‘infamous’ brother in law (ex RAF), I got to meet a number of men and women (and their families) who serve in the Royal Air Force. I have been fortunate enough to see their daily devotion and sacrifice to their job and quickly became inspired by their high spirits, whatever the circumstances - true Heroes indeed! This is why I chose to run for Help for Heroes (H4H).

‘Help for Heroes supports veterans and serving personnel who have been wounded or injured, or have become sick, as a result of serving their country. Additionally their families and dependents receive support from the Charity as they care for their loved one, and adapt to the new challenges that they face. Our primary focus is on those affected by recent and current conflicts due to the urgency and extent of their needs.  Anyone is welcome to apply for support and will be considered on a case by case basis and referred to our charity partners where appropriate.

H4H is a tri-service military charity, providing support to full time, reservist Servicemen and women and veterans from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force.’

To find out more, go to: http://helpforheroes.org.uk/index.html

Hours of training gave me an opportunity to think about H4H a lot. I also realised that many of my friends and family do not serve in military, do not fight for a noble cause, and yet they are my heroes, heroes in their own right:

RJB- You may be ginger and lack style, but you will always be MY FAVOURITE BROTHER IN LAW. Love you!

KEB- Such a refreshing personality! You’re always happy and truthful to yourself. The most selfless woman I have ever known. You deserve the best of everything and I am proud to call you my sister!

JM- You have quickly become one of my closest friends ever and I often think that we are secretly related (shoes, handbags, nail varnish…). You were the first person whom I told about my plans for the marathon and will never forget the lack of hesitation, when you told me I can do it. You are so close to my heart and I will always be grateful for you collecting me from Doddington (?!) the night I got lost whilst running.

MR- you’re always there for me, listening to my nonsense, however ridicilous it sounds. Thank you for being my friend.

TMW- LOL- enough said? Nah! Your approach to life taught me so much about my own. You’ll love the clichés…The only limits are the ones we set ourselves and attitude is everything… A lot of memories already… J

Last but not least…

ASH- Thank you for setting me free… x 

TO ALL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY…

I am hoping to see many of you at the race… either cheering me on, or just having a good time with me afterwards in Tiger Inn! http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g2035635-d732826-Reviews-Tiger_Inn-East_Dean_East_Sussex_England.html

Please be generous! I intend to fund a restaurant meal (out of my own pocket) to the highest contributor – we’ll be eating out in style together J

 

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