Firstly, thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page. 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.

The story starts with my (Julie) amazing niece Anna. Anna, is 10 years old and has a form of Cerebral Palsy which means she is unable to walk unaided. At the age of 8, Anna underwent major spinal surgery in order to help her chances of being able to walk without the use of a walking frame. It is a long, slow, painful journey and one that includes Anna having to sleep with her legs in uncomfortable braces at night, hours of physiotherapy each week and lots of appointments to see her consultants and specialists.  Her bravery, courage and determination is something I wish could be bottled along with her wicked sense of humour!

My brother, Stewart, and his wife, Alison, try to give Anna every opportunity to take part in lots of activities, including swimming, wall climbing, disabled tennis, and taking the 2 hour round trip each week for Anna to attend her disabled riding lessons, which she loves.

It's Anna's riding center, Muirfield Riding Therapy, that we have decided to raise money for. They are a completely self funded organisation run by volunteers. They offer riding therapy sessions free to people with all sorts of disabilities on specially trained ponies. The sessions provide therapy, achievement and enjoyment to all those who are able to attend.

The training for this half marathon has been a major challenge for Denise and I, as we are not a natural runners! But with the support of each other and our family and friends we're slowly getting there. Our challenge, however, is nothing compared to the daily challenges Anna faces. We would love, with your help, to raise lots of money for Muirfield Riding Therapy which provides Anna, and others like her, with a fun activity along with vital therapy.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and any donations are very gratefully received.

Julie and Denise x