Dear friend/colleague/family member,

I am delighted to have secured a golden bond place at the 2010 London Marathon, supporting a charity very close to my heart - The Meningitis Trust.

You all know the pain and agony we suffered when our daughter Lillie-Beth contracted Meningococcal meningitis in May 2009 whilst we were living in Germany. We were so so close to losing our precious little girl (within an hour we were told!). Garry and I sat at her bedside whilst she was sleeping, hoping and praying that she would pull through. Every single second of the next 48 hours was painfully hard. To see your child in such a devastating state is indescribable.  Not to know if you will hear their voice again or see them growing up is a pain that we would never want any of you to go through.  The heartbreaking phone calls that we had to make to our close family were so hard.  Imagine being Lillie-Beths brother/sister/grandma/granddad/auntie/uncle/cousin and all you could do was wait for a phone call to hear how and what the situation was.   Distressing and emotional to say the least!

Thankfully Lillie-Beth did wake up and after 2 very long weeks in hospital it was confirmed that she had managed to fight this disease and there shouldn't be any long term effects.  The relief that we all felt was amazing and I can honestly say that it has put all things in life into perspective.....your friends and family are precious.  Treasure every moment and tell them always how much you love them and care for them.....life is far too short!  I wouldn't have got through those weeks without the words of comfort/prayers and support you gave us -thank you from the bottom of my heart! 

I remember saying to Garry , when this is all over I will do everything that I can to make sure that our friends, family and colleagues know all that they can about Meningitis and the devastating effects it can have on people. Garry knew then that I meant it!!

So in September 09 I completed The Great North Run (13.1 miles) with my friend Sam, raising in excess of £1700 for The Meningitis Trust. Thanks to everybody who sponsored me.

My next challenge is 26.2 miles through the streets of London in April 2010.  It will be hard I know BUT it will be worth every minute, ache and pain!  Having our daughter with us, healthy and beautiful is worth it all!  The thought of her meeting me with her beautiful smile at the end of the race will get me through it- I know that!

I am hoping that you will support me in my pledge to raise in excess of £1500 for The Meningitis Trust.  Any donations no matter how large or small will be truly appreciated by me and the trust.  Please visit www.justgiving.com/alisonhobson to donate on line.

REMEMBER: Meningitis is an infectious disease that can kill within hours or leave sufferers with severe after effects including brain damage, deafness and where septicaemia (blood poisoning) has occurred, even loss of limbs. The Meningitis Trust provides practical and emotional support for life, helping to rebuild lives that have been shattered by meningitis.  Visit www.meningitis-trust.org for more detail.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you in advance of any support you can offer.

Much love and happiness from

Alison xx

Photos supplied by: rebeccajanephotography.co.uk