For those who do not know my story, I have run a marathon before -Edinburgh back in 2010. No records broken but a PB (personal best) for me (it was my first and only marathon so far!). I did Edinburgh to raise money for Breast Cancer Campaign having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. I had two lumpectomys, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and some other drugs which may have affected my heart. By Christmas 2008 I could not walk a whole aisle at M&S without having a sleep when I got home. The day I ran a mile for the first time - I was ecstatic but slept for nearly 24hours. Thankfully it got slightly easier and I finished Edinburgh.

I know that if I lose weight my chances of survival are better, but work (biscuits, chocolate and wine), together with losing my running mojo and having a further preventative operation in June 2011 had resulted in me gaining weight. In September 2011, I put my trainers on again. One mile was hard, but I got home and completed the ballot for London Marathon and gave myself a goal - shift the weight gained, load bearing exercise to ward off osteoporosis (another potential drug side effect) and run London in 2012. I was not successful in the ballot – what mixed emotions! I adjusted my training plan with the intention to run a half marathon in March 2012. Now I am going to run London Marathon on 22 April 2011. I only found out on 7 February. This is all thanks to the charity we support at work, Cambridge House, who offered us a place and I drew the short/long straw. Being told I could run for Cambridge House made me revisit the emotions of elation and “oh *%^t” but what an amazing opportunity.

People tell me I have been inspirational to them. I do not understand that, as I am merely determined to enjoy life. Cambridge House is inspirational. Based in Southwark in South London they offer a number of services to alleviate the effects of poverty and to support social change. These services are not just for local residents but they serve many London Boroughs. This amazing charity does not only support those with disabilities or learning difficulties but also those who perhaps do not receive the support at home to maximise their potential and to develop life skills which we all aspire to.

Their mission to create a society which can fight poverty, tackle injustice, and realise their potential together is achieved by enabling individuals and communities to take more control of decisions which affect their lives. Their values may be described by some as old-fashioned and perhaps that is why I am inspired by them. They believe in respecting the unique worth of individuals and empowering them to fulfil their potential whilst respecting the right of individuals and communities to make their own choices and enabling them to make informed decisions. They value diversity and difference and challenge discrimination in all its forms. Everything they do is designed to minimise the impact on the environment and promote sustainable development because they have been around for over 120 years and plan to be here until their job is done. I am grateful to Cambridge House for their assistance and wonderful support in helping me achieve my goal in 2012. Please help them to achieve their goal by kindly donating to them. I am looking forward to running on 22 April and hope that together with Cambridge House we can inspire others. It is coming round quickly and I have some training to do!!