On 28th April I will be lining up to run the London Marathon! This will be my first Marathon and maybe the only!

Exactly one month later, it will be the 10th anniversary of losing my mum to cancer.

I was lucky enough to gain a place in the ballot and whilst there is no need to fundraise for a charity I would like to try and raise money for St Richard's Hospice.

On 28th May 2009, our family lost a much loved Wife, Mum & Grandma. This was a devastating loss, not only due to the huge void that was left but because there was very little time to try and come to terms with what was happening. An initial diagnosis of a stroke, was soon replaced with the heart numbing words that confirmed a terminal brain tumour.

Mum was admitted to St Richard's and for the next few weeks they provided us all with care and support, allowing us to look after mum. Throughout this time, we were shown compassion, respect and understanding, all qualities that mum stood for and showed to others over her lifetime. 

As well as her sparkling blue eyes, wonderful smile and infectious laugh, mum will always be remembered for her trademark phrase - "I'm fine" and these are the words which will be my mantra as I set out on this challenge - I have tried them a few times during my long runs, in wet and windy weather and I can't say that I'm convinced it made a huge difference but I'll keep trying!!

Hopefully as I cross the finish line I will be able to acknowledge that regardless of how I feel at that precise moment........ actually, "I'm fine."

If you would like to support me on my challenge, I would be very grateful.

Andrea xx

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.