So as most of you know I am running the London Marathon this year - April 21st is the date!  I am running in aid of Association for International Cancer Research (AICR) - www.aicr.org.uk.

Originally I wanted to run the marathon in memory of Mum, who died over 5 years ago. Mum was first diagnosed with cancer in October 2007 and died, 6 weeks later, on December 12th 2007 - her cancer was originally found in her duodenum but by the end had spread throughout her body.  The problem was that her cancer was so aggressive the doctors never had time to pinpoint the actual, specific cancer she had and therefore the treatment.  By the time the doctors decided they knew how to treat her it was too late.  Mum never received any treatment for her illness.

However, what I have learnt over the last 5 years is that Cancer is the most indiscriminate disease and can affect anyone at anytime.  We have had family and friends affected by the disease during this time, all of them different ages.  Unfortunately our experiences are not unique to us - almost everyone I know has had contact with the disease in some way, shape or form.

That is why the work of AICR is so important to me - they are focusing on the battle against cancer on an international basis, ensuring that progress is being made against the disease in general, rather than on one specific strain.  Therefore, although Mum is the primary reason I am running, there are too many other reasons not to run!

So I thought it was about time I did something about this - and the Marathon seemed like a good idea!  Training has started, its going OK, I'm running about 10ks now, (I even ran on New Year's Day!), I have given up drinking for January (I must be serious!) and the Vowls competitive spirit has kicked in!!  I have a target time of 4 hours - probably over stretching myself but you've got to have a goal!

I would very much appreciate it if you could sponsor me - this is definitely the first time I have aksed for sponsorship for something like this and I reckon it could well be the last!

Thanks very much....