Thank you for visiting my page! My running journey began with the London Marathon 2014, which I ran in memory of a friend who was, and will continue to be, an inspiration to me and to everyone who knew him. Richard Moon battled for five and a half years against cancer, and throughout that battle, remained a brave, funny, kind and gentle young man. I ran for him, and for CLIC Sargent, a charity for children and young people fighting cancer. Their work provides the child and their family with emotional support, grants to help cover costs and information about the condition and treatments, making it easier during such a difficult time. Richard and his family were supported by the charity throughout his illness.

In training, I ran the Major Series in Leeds to raise even more money for this incredible charity. This was a 10k mud run during which I navigated a number of horrific-looking obstacles. And just to push myself that little bit further, I ran a similar 12k mud run the week before the marathon in Essex.

Those of you who knew me before all of this will know that I was not at all sporty, and so running was always going to be a huge challenge! However, I got there and now have the bug!

I am still in shock about just how much amazing support I have had over these last few months. Thank you all so much. Without this support, I would not be running still now! After a short break, I have now started again. CLIC Sargent is a wonderful charity, and although I am not planning on taking on another of their charity places, I will still be raising money for them in any races I do, in memory, of course, of the lovely Richard Moon. Richard was such an inspirational friend who never gave up, and so in his memory, I will never give up trying to better my time! I will not be asking for donations, but if I am ever speaking of running and anybody wants to donate, I will keep this page going so we can raise as much money as possible. So far, I have entered the ballot for the London Marathon 2015 and the Dartford Half Marathon this July, 2014 - my first ever half! Wish me luck!

This is the link to my blog so you can read about my journey and keep up-to-date with my future progress: http://chiarasmarathon.blogspot.co.uk.

JustGiving is a completely secure way to donate and all the money goes directly to the charity. I hope you’ll support me on this great challenge. Thank you in advance! Chiara xxx