Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I am taking part in my first ever half marathon this year after a failed attempt last year due to an unfortunate injury!!! I am really really excited though and really pleased to be able to raise money for a subject close to my heart - Arthritis Research UK.

Due to a large amount of weight loss I decided to set myself a personal challenge and running was it, but since taking it up as a hobby and then taking part in races I am really enjoying being a runner!!! Running the Great NOrth Run in 2010 will be a massive achievement for me and one I know I will be really proud of!

My dad has had arthritis since he was 32, so for over 20 years and I have seen first hand the pain, discomfort and overall affects of the disease. He is on life long medication simply to deal with combatting the every day pain he experiences. Arthritis research are doing some great work to find new ways of treating the disease and maybe one day finding a cure! I am really happy that I can do something to help raise money for them. I also have the added bonus that for every pound I can raise my Employer Barclays Bank will be matching, so if i raise my goal of £200, then Barclays will double this up to £400!!! So every pound you sponsor me for will be doubled!

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.

So please dig deep and donate now.