Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

It's been a difficult year... injury has prevented me from doing my planned three marathons in six weeks, so I'm down to just Edinburgh. And I have to make it because I am doing this one for my Dad, the loveliest man I know. One of only two men for whom I would suffer this much pain.

Dad has pulmonary fibrosis, a lung condition which means he has to have oxygen for up to 10 hours a day. The condition is progressive, so he isn't going to get better. His lung tissue is slowly turning to sponge. He can't walk more than half a mile at a time and hills are impossible.

Back in the summer (rememeber that?) Dad asked me to do my next sponsored run for the British Lung Foundation, who provide help, support and research into all forms of lung conditions - not just those that affect old boys like my Dad but also conditions that affect new born babies, young children and asthma sufferers. How could I refuse?

I wanted to do something BIG to raise as much as I could but my body let me down. Edinburgh will be a challenge to just get round in one piece. I have no idea how long it is going to take me. All I know is that given my recent injury problems, this could be the most painful marathon I have ever undertaken. It's certainly been the hardest to train for.

To give you an incentive to sponsor me, I'm offering a bag of Scottish goodies - whisky, shortbread, haggis, you know the kind of thing - to one lucky sponsor. Names will be drawn from the hat the day after the race.

The BLF are not contributing to the cost of my trip to Edinburgh, nor have they paid my race entry fee. All the money I raise will go straight to the charity.

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

I know now is not a good time to be asking for sponsorship but anything you can give is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Susan