So whose crazy idea was this I hear you ask? Believe me, out training in the wet and the dark I have asked myself that countless times!!!

So the answer to that question is that it's all the Stovolds' fault ;) For those of you who haven't had the pleasure, well not sure it's a pleasure ;) of meeting the Stovolds, they are the most remarkable family! My best friend Kate happens to be a part of that family and very sadly her gorgeous brother (oh and he really was, had a bit of a secret crush, sadly it didn't remain secret for very long!!) was killed in a car crash last summer.

I spent the best part of a month with them just after it and I cannot tell you how much I admired their strength and courage. They are truly an inspiration to me and taught me just how strong family bonds are.  Gill is the most AMAZING cook (I think I put on about a stone!!), I became an honourary member of the family (they have been trying to get rid of me ever since!) and they spent the whole time taking the mickey out of me. I was fondly named the Honey Monster - I think it is a term of endearment but who knows..... :)

So after that long ramble this is why I am going to run (or possibly hobble) around the London Marathon with Kate by my side! It is my way of showing such a wonderful family how much I came to love them and how much Smelly (Jack) will be missed!

I will be running for The Variety Club Children's Charity which has spent more than 50 years helping sick, disabled and disadvantaged children throughout the UK have a better life. Peter (Jack's dad) is the Executive Director of the charity's golf society and Jack ran for them last year in a incredible time of  3hours 21 mins. I am definitely not going to be beating his time, so please don't expect miracles!!

Anyway, a huge thank you to anyone who does donate.  I can't tell you how much this means to me!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Variety Club Children's Charity gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!

Update

Just to say a huge thank you to everyone who has sponsored me so far! I'm far from reaching my target of £2000 though!

This is an appeal to all those out there who haven't had a chance to donate yet! If you have a minute please donate, any donation big or small would be very welcome!!

The Variety Club is such a fantastic cause. There are 6 of us running in aid of Variety and our aim is to raise enough money to donate a minibus in Jack's name. The 'Sunshine Coaches', as they are known, cost about £30,000. They are donated to organisations such as special schools, children's hospices and respite care centres working with sick, disabled and disadvantaged youngsters.

Sunshine Coaches open up a world of possibilites for these children. Each Minibus travels about 70,000 miles in its lifetime, taking its young passsengers on trips for education, leisure, sports and fun that would otherwise be denied to them, including Outward Bound trips, Riding for the Disabled, essential therapy sessions and shopping trips.

So please, please help us to raise enough money for a minibus in Jack's name! It will cost only a minute of your time and make such a huge difference to these children's lives!!

Just to keep you updated on the runnning, I managed 18 miles the other day thanks to my wonderful friend Sam who cycled all that way and kept me going, when I really didn't think I could run another step! Since then though I have had the lurgy and so haven't been able to train! A little worried now as the marathon is in 7 weeks time!

Many thanks for reading my rambles!!

Angie