*** Still collecting raffle money from the pub quiz but I am thinking about £800! Thanks to Fran, Chris, John & Paul for their help. Thanks to everyone for coming and supporting me! ***

*** We raised £1, 140 at the bag pack. I have put £345.50 on my JustGiving page and the other £794.50 has gone on Bridgeen's page at www.justgiving.com/Bridgeen-Smith ***

*** Thanks to my friend Mairead Conlon for organising a Poker Night which raised £150! ***

I have decided to participate in the 2011 Virgin London Marathon in support of Cancer Research UK.

After running my first 10k race in 52 minutes (please see rare photo to the left), I was extremely motivated to become a better runner. Even though it was only 10k, the feeling of accomplishment was so great (and addictive) that I have now decided to take my running to the extreme and complete a full marathon.

My Mum was diagnosed with hypernephroma (kidney cancer) which was primary and then with bone cancer which was secondary. She sadly past away over 5 years ago at the age of 54. I have obviously struggled with this loss but have now learned to live with it and accept it. I am obviously biased but she was an amazing woman who loved life, had great style and was totally selfless.

Cancer Research’s work has saved millions of lives in the UK and across the world. Over the next decade they aim to save many more – but they need our help to make that possible.

Cancer Research are entirely funded by donations from the public. Your support will help Cancer Research achieve their vision of beating cancer.

Here are some examples of what your donation can do:

£10 could buy 300 glass slides for studying cells and tumour samples in detail under the microscope.

£100 could equip four scientists with a lab coat and a pair of safety goggles. These help protect against harmful chemicals and prevent experiments from getting contaminated.

£500 could fund one cancer information nurse for four days. Our experienced cancer information nurses provide a confidential service for anyone with concerns about cancer.  

£1,000 could cover the basic costs for ten women to take part in a clinical trial testing a new way of giving hormone therapy to improve the treatment of breast cancer. 

I have a target of £2000 to reach in order to participate in this event and I plan to organise other activities to help me raise the money such as a poker night, pub quiz and packing bags in Tesco. If you can’t donate money but could a gift this would be greatly appreciated to raffle at my pub quiz event.  

I am completely dedicated to this challenge and would love to complete the London Marathon (all 26.2 miles) in 5 hours or less.I will up-date my JustGiving page with run distances and times and I’ll remind everyone nearer the time about the pub quiz.  

Thank-you so much for your support!  

Week commencing 18/10/10  = 18 miles (Week 1 of 23) 

Week commencing 01/11/10 = 17 miles (Week 2 of 23)

Week commencing 08/11/10 = 11 miles (Week 3 of 23)

Week commencing 15/11/10 = 19 miles (Week 4 of 23)

Week commencing 22/11/10 = 10 miles (Week 5 of 23) 27/11/10 The Joe Seeley Cup 10K road race completed in 49 minutes

Week commencing 29/11/10 = 18 miles (Week 6 of 23)

Week commencing 06/12/10 = 18 miles (Week 7 of 23)

Week commencing 03/01/11 = 25 miles (Week 8 of 23)

Week commencing 10/01/11 = 21 miles (Week 9 of 23)

Week commencing 18/01/11 = 16 miles (Week 10 of 23) Ran a half marathon on 22/01/11 Time 2:00:30 - ouch!

Week commencing 24/01/11 = 23 miles (Week 11 of 23)

Week commencing 31/01/11 = 27 miles (Week 12 of 23)

Week commencing 07/02/11 = 20 miles (Week 13 of 23)

Week commencing 14/02/11 = 30 miles (Week 14 of 23) Tried to run 17 miles on the Saturday but had to stop after 14.5 miles - in agony with left foot!

Week commencing 21/02/11 = 15 miles (Week 15 of 23) Left foot and knee very sore

Week commencing 28/02/11 = 32 miles (Week 16 of 23) I ran 20 miles on 04/03/11 from Belfast to Ards, Ards to Bangor, Bangor to Holywood. Found it really tough but delighted I have it under my belt.

Week commencing 07/03/11 = 30 miles (Week 17 of 23)

Week commencing 14/03/11 = 25 miles (Week 18 of 23) I ran the Larne Half Marathon 19/03/11 in 1 hr 53 mins!

Week commencing 21/03/11 = 32 miles (Week 19 of 23) Ran 18 miles on 26/03/11 with Bridgeen. Gorgeous weather and felt really fit! Pub quiz on Sunday night so has been a tough week working, training and organising.