When I was about 11, I watched the first London Marathon on TV. Just starting my running ‘career’, I guess I thought that one day I would run a marathon.

Why now? Why this year? Well, I thought 42 K at 42 years of age sounded a good thing to aim for, but since we couldn’t come home to the UK to sea level last year, I’ve waited a year. I'm aiming to complete the Beachy Head Marathon on 26th October.

Although this is mainly a personal challenge, the fulfilment of a long-held ambition and a way to get fit and have time out in the beautiful Andean countryside which does me a lot of good, I have decided to try and raise some money too. 

Here’s what you can support:

26 miles – I’ll run a mile for each year my mum has been severely affected by ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Half of what I raise will go to the ME Association that supports people with this disabling, chronic illness and funds research.(It is estimated that 250 000 people in Britain have the disease.)

 42 Kilometres – I’ll run a kilometre thankful for each year of my life that I have been able to run (thinking that I must have run my first steps at age 1!) – Half of what I raise will go to support Latin Link and our work in Cusco, including resources for kids in Cusco’s state hospital and funds for Kallarisunchis micro-finance project.

 
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. Money goes directly to our Latin Link project fund and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, are added to your donation. Latin Link will pass 50% of the money raised to the ME Association.

 Thanks for being part of this challenge!

Jenny