Dear lovely friends -  thanks for visiting my fundraising page! 

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Oxfam gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

If you can sponsor me - even a small amount like £5 or £10, that will be a real encouragement and blessing to me as I train over the next 10 months.And if you can't - I'll still love you!

I really cannot do this in my own strength - but only with the love and support of my friends, and through the grace of God. 

It's now August and I am struggling to run on the road - it's far too hot! In the gym I am managing up to 8 kms each session and building up my strength with weights. Some days I feel really encouraged but on others, such as when my dodgy knee gives me pain, I am a bit despondent. But fear not - I will do it!

My latest news is that I am entering a 10k run on 13th September! My two lovely sons (Andy and Rich) are going to run with me - luckily they aren't too fast either so I won't be alone at the back! This will be my first real test. I'll let you know how it goes......................

Last Sunday I ran the 10k and did better than I could have hoped! My aim was not to worry about the time and to complete it without stopping. I did it in just under an hour and was 64th out of 91 women. I was pretty chuffed that most of those behind me were a bit younger than I am! I actually started to feel like a runner.........

Anyway, it has given me the incentive I needed to push on with the training. Look out for me in the early evening running through Seasalter towards The Sportsman, wearing my pink cap with gold sequins (had to be a girlie hat for me!). Thanks to everyone for your love and support, especially my lovely hubby Rob who puts up with a lot, my wonderful sons and their other halves who don't think I'm nuts (or don't say it anyway!), and my friend Maria who is thinking up ways to help me raise the money for Oxfam - it helps me remember this is not just about me. Much love to you all xx

It's now mid-November and I am learning to run in the cold and the rain! I have pushed myself to 10 mile runs once or twice a week and feeling OK. I can do that run in about 1 hour 50 mins, so feeling good about that. Knees holding up but getting a bit stiff! My lovely friends Maria and Carol held a cake sale for me last Sunday that raised £120, and with some cash sponsorship I have sent £204 to Oxfam today. Feeling more like a real runner each week.

God bless and lots of love xx

23.11.09 - went to the gym today (Body Tech in Swalecliffe) as it was pouring with rain again. Couldn't face having soaking wet feet  like I did last week! Thanks to Paul, Amanda and Keila at the gym for their support and encouragement, especially helping me through my down days with bad knees.

7th December - Yesterday I ran in the Thanet 10 mile race with my son Rich. We finished in 1 hour 43 mins in spite of heavy rain for the first 4 miles and strong winds throughout, so we were very pleased. Sent another £125 to Oxfam today thanks to a generous donation from a kind friend.

23rd December - today my lovely friend Maria gave me £356 that she had raised from a raffle and cake sale at K & C Hospital - she is amazing!! Thank you Maria xx

It's now 2010 - the year I will run the marathon!! 4.1.10 - In Whitstable we have thick snow so it was back to the gym for me as I didn't want to risk falling over like I did last Monday (still suffering for that). Have realised recently that I am becoming a runner - I actually enjoy running out in the fresh air - it makes me feel alive!

22nd February - things are getting tough! I am trying to prepare for a 20 mile run on 7th March, but bad weather and injuries have prevented me from being where I hoped to be at this stage. Ran today in pouring rain and felt quite depressed for the first time. I know I have to pick myself up and get on with it. Sent another £120 to Oxfam today raised by the wonderful Maria and my 'pennies' collection, so not too far off the target now.

10th March 2010 - last Sunday I managed to complete the Thanet 20 mile race in 3 hours 38 mins which was about 20 mins faster than I had hoped for, so that was very good. It was a freezing cold day and my poor fingers froze in spite of 2 pairs of gloves, but it was dry and lovely and sunny. My spirits were lifted and my aching legs eased by the beautiful views across the sea, particularly at Joss Bay and Pegwell Bay. I had forgotten how amazing our beaches are after this long cold winter! I feel a bit more confident now that I will be able to finish the marathon. I just want to thank my family and all my dear friends for supporting me through all the days when I have been injured and a bit down. I promise to stop being a 'marathon bore' very soon! Much love, Jill x

Today (19th March) my grandson is 2 months old - how time flies! Yesterday I ran to Faversham and felt very old indeed - my right hip was screaming! Only 5 weeks to go now so I have to press on. Today I paid in £455 to Oxfam - most of which was raised by the amazing Maria at the Spring Fair she held for me last Saturday. That means I have reached my £2000 target. I have more sponsorship money to collect after the event too - so that's brilliant! And even the weather has become milder so that helps a lot. Onwards and upwards............! x

6th April 2010 - and less than 3 weeks to the BIG DAY. Help! Ran about 13 miles yesterday and felt OK. Have had a twinge in my right knee since my last run but it's holding up and at least my cold is better. No time to be ill or injured now. Need to focus on the task ahead............x

21st April - and the big day is so close now!! This morning I did my last run until Sunday - only 4.4 miles - it was cool and cloudy, but now the sun has come out and they are saying it will get warmer by the week-end. Just what I did not want. I hate running when it's hot! Anyway, I am determined to just try to enjoy the day and stop worrying. After Sunday I can start to live the rest of my life again. To anyone who is following my up-dates - a VERY BIG THANK YOU. The support I have received has meant more than any of you can ever know. I love you all xxx Jill xxx

4th May 2010 - my last entry! I completed the 30th London marathon in 5 hours 16 minutes and 6 secs. I loved every minute of it! The weather was good - mostly cool - the crowds were amazingly supportive, and Oxfam were a great charity to run for (the post-race massage being especially brilliant!). I have raised £2,700 and tested myself to the limit. I would love to do the marathon again, but I really don't want to put in the training, so it won't happen. Thank you to everyone who has supported me.

Now - on to my next challenge..........!!