2016 - A leap year, Summer Olympics and the Queen's 90th birthday. It is also a milestone year in my life, in July I turn 50 and become mortgage free, in August I celebrate my Silver Wedding anniversary, and will be 5 years post op my mastectomy. According to cancer Research 96% of women survive breast cancer for at least one year, and this falls to 87% surviving for five years - I am extremely thankful to be in the 87%.
The old saying goes that life begins at 40, I wasn't over enamoured with my early 40s, having lost both my parents and being diagnosed with Cancer. I am embracing my 50's with open arms!

To mark the year, I wanted to set myself a little challenge, and in doing so hopefully raise money towards two charities - Arthur Rank Hospice and Alzheimer's Society.

Arthur Rank seems to have featured in my life for the past decade. My Mum was a Day Therapy patient at Arthur Rank and spent her final week of life at the Hospice. It made a difference in so many ways, what was a horrible time in our lives was made more bearable by the caring and compassionate way both she and all the family were treated. I have been a fundraising volunteer for a number of years and am privileged and proud to have been working at Arthur Rank for the past year in the Hospice at Home team, and witness first-hand the excellent care provided by all the services at the hospice. I am also a patient, receiving treatment from the wonderful Lymphoedema team. 2016 is a milestone year for the Hospice as it moves to new premises at Shelford Bottom in the Autumn.

From the 18th April, the day I met my husband Harv, until my 50th birthday on 1st July, during these 75 days (the total of my age + the years I will have been married), I aim to complete 50 x 5K - 40 runs and 10 walks...with a little yarn bombing on the way.

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. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.