Dear All,

A HUGE THANK YOU to all those who sponsored me!  You have all been very generous and it is much appreciated.  The neuroblastoma charity is such a worthwhile cause. 

Well, at first Jeanette and I were a little apprehensive about the 25 miles ahead (did we have the correct footwear, clothing, kit etc?).  Also, all others doing the run seemed to have done it before. 

The weather was good for running - about 12 degrees celsius, not much wind and no sun.  The scenery was beautiful, we ran past reservoirs, a dam, on top of the moors and through sheep filled fields.  An absolute must for those not been to Blubberhouses before.  

There were some steep hills along the way..... we walked those as we said we would .... but we ran all downhill and flat parts.   There were some refreshments along the way which we devoured - tea, cakes (!) and sandwiches.

It was only at 23 miles that we had to get the map out.  No one in front or behind to ask for directions.  We did a little detour (I'm sure it was about one mile!) and found our way back to the start. Luckily there was no need for the torch, compass, whistle or emergency blanket!! Jelly babies came in handy though! 

Yeehaaa!!! We finished.  AND instead of my estimated time (based on a previous 23 mile run) we did it in 1 hour 25 minutes faster and 2 miles further!!  A great, great day. 

AND not to forget a great charity to run and raise funds for.  Please see www.bergakker.nl for further information on Lois' progress. She is a real little fighter and an inspiration to us all!

Cheers,

Gill x

p.s. Please see the photos I have uploaded - PROOF!

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Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am raising funds for the Neuroblastoma Charity.  This is as a result of a very close friend of Ron and mine in Holland whose middle child was diagnosed with neuroblastoma (cancer) in March 2010.  This is her story ....

O.k., so I am Loïs Bergakker and I am 5 years old.  My sister is called Bobbi and my brother is Vasco. In March of 2010, I had some pains in my legs. We just thought they were growing pains. I got some more complaints and my GP sent me to have X-rays taken in the hospital. The image on the X-rays meant I then had to have an MRI scan.   The pediatrician  immediately referred me to the Children’s Hospital.  Shortly after it was clear that I had neuroblastoma stage 4.  This is the most aggressive type of this cancer.  In my case it was a type of cancer that radiated from the adrenal gland and it had spread to my bones. This is very bad news! The survival chances of neuroblastoma are very low!

I immediately started my treatment which consists of 2 times radiotherapy, 6 times of chemo therapy, an operation to remove the cancer tumor, yet again another chemo therapy and a vitamin regimen.  That took 9 months and I have just arrived in the USA to start a 6 month antibody treatment.  This is a very painful process and many children are not able to complete the course as a result of the terrible side effects it can have. I shall feel as though I have very bad flu for most of the time.    

Of course you understand that our life has turned up side down. Still, I try to do as many normal things as possible next to all my hospital visits.

My friend Jeanette and I are running/walking the Blubberhouses 25 (MILES!!!!!) on 3rd April 2011 and I would be grateful for as many donations as possible to reach my target. 

For more information regarding Lois and her progress please visit www.bergakker.nl.

Dig deep and please support this very worthwhile charity.

Gill xx

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So please dig deep and donate now.