Like so many people, I have been touched by cancer – something that will drive me on when I take part in this year’s London Marathon in support of Sarcoma UK.

Having spent over 35 years as a voluntary fundraiser, I decided it was time to fundraise in a different way to mark my daughter being three years clear from cancer…

Three years ago, my life changed forever when my beautiful daughter Alexandra (Ali) was diagnosed with a Myxiod Liposarcoma – a Sarcoma soft tissue cancer - after a very large lump was found on the inside of her knee and inner thigh. She was just 23.

It was a heart-wrenching and heart-breaking time for us………. seeing my daughter go through so much at such a tender age was life-changing for me and our family. I’m so beyond happy that Ali celebrated being three years clear on January 21st, and she continues to flourish.

I have lost four very dear friends, all too young to this wretched disease. Cancer has no boundaries whatsoever…..it is sadly ruthless.

Putting myself through a physical challenge seemed like a good idea at the time I committed to doing it. Hence running my second marathon, my first was the ‘First Ipswich Marathon’ when I was 19 years old and working for Radio Orwell at the time. So to be running my second ever marathon, the London Marathon, aged 55 is a HUGE challenge.

It would be fair to say I haven’t been one to put physical fitness first since I was 19! To say that I’m not a natural runner would be somewhat of an understatement - loved ones have actually asked me ‘have you literally gone mad?’ and 'are you really going to run like that?'.....

So this is well and truly out of my comfort zone. But I wouldn’t have it any other way as I try to raise as much money as possible to support Sarcoma UK, a wonderful charity.

My running partner is my dear friend Lisa Lumley, who has her own story to tell………

“My husband Steve is thankfully 10 years clear having had a Hodgkins Lymphoma. Having seen everything that my husband went through, and having worked with Gina on several of her fundraising historically, I wanted to support this amazing cause. It was with my incredible husband and inspirational Ali in mind - and for all the other children and young adults diagnosed with a Sarcoma or other cancers - that we decided we should enter into a challenge of our own in support of Sarcoma UK."

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It was always so important for Lisa and me to work with a small, totally-transparent, one that lead Sarcoma research. We are supporting Sarcoma UK, the only cancer charity in the UK focused on all types of sarcoma.

Sarcoma is a cancer of the bone and soft tissue. It is one of the hardest to diagnose, and difficult to treat. We can help change this.

By donating to my page, you will fund vital research projects looking for better treatments. Your donation will also raise awareness of the symptoms of sarcoma to help patients get an early diagnosis, and ensure everyone has access to specialist advice.

So, for my inspiration Ali, for Steve and in memory of Sally Balch, Bryan Stacpoole, Hannah Reynolds, Pam Fisher and to all those going through cancer treatments and to all the families touched by it, the funds we raise will be going to a great charity and every step will be worth running.

I send my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who is able to support my marathon effort on this page and beyond.

Hope to see you on the day :-)

Gina x