Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On Sunday, 21 April 2013, I will be running the Virgin London Marathon as a first-timer.

I was lucky enough to get a ‘club’ place through HA & CC, the club I train with in Halesowen, so I will be one of several club vests (as per photo) pounding the route on the day. My training buddies from the club have been fundamental to my making it to the start and I thank each and every one of them, along with my family and friends, for their support!

As running 26.2 miles is a somewhat daunting challenge I decided that it warranted raising funds for a charity and Cancer Research UK is the one that I have chosen.

All of us know of someone who has, or who has had, cancer.

My personal story is that in July 2011, my Mum was diagnosed with lung cancer.

It was a shock to receive this news. She appeared healthy, had never smoked and the only symptom she'd had for a few months was a cough – hardly what you’d expect for this diagnosis.

So, in September 2011 Mum had surgery to remove half of one of her lungs, followed by several months of recuperation, exercise (which she hated!) and lots of tlc.

Some would say that Mum was unlucky to get cancer in the first place, but she believes that she is one of the lucky ones because, as a result of early diagnosis, she didn’t need any follow-up treatment. She has also managed to get her life pretty much back on track – holidays here, there and everywhere; lunches out with the girls; trips to the theatre and so on! 

I also have friends who are currently living with or undergoing treatment for cancer and for them the work of Cancer Research UK offers hope.

Whilst it is sadly too late for those family and friends who have lost their battle with cancer, raising funds for research to improve the chances of others, is crucial.

The thought of my Mum, friends, and the sponsorship raised, will undoubtedly help me cross the finish line on the 21st so please, please dig deep and sponsor me now.

Thank you!

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. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.