Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.  My old friends and family know why I run, but my newer friends and colleagues may not, so here is my story.

I run every step in my mams memory.  She died from Leukaemia when she was only 53.  In 2009, to my families amusement, I decided that I would attempt the Great North Run to raise funds for Leukaemia research. Julie?  Run?  Even my Granda bet me I wouldn't do it, cheeky sod.  I did it and this year is number 6, so that showed Jack Cooper didn't it?  GNR number 4 was dedicated to Granda as he died from cancer that year.

Anyway, back to the marathon.  As we all do when watching some life affirming event on the telly, my emotions got the better of me and I thought 'I have 5 GNR's behind me, I can do a Marathon', and so I applied directly through Anthony Nolan.  When I got the call to say I was in, well.... that's when I thought 'what the hell have I done' and blind panic set in.  That panic hasn't really left and seems to be getting worse.  I think from now we will call them 'pre-race nerves'.

Now I know a marathon is do-able; I have brilliant friends who did their first in 2013, I was lucky enough to go and cheer them on at York.  Hannah and Scott take a bow :)  

There is a great quote about watching a marathon by Kathrine Switzer, women's marathoning pioneer:  "If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon."

I cannot tell you how true this is.  Now I know you cannot come to London to cheer and push me along by shouting, but each and every penny donated is like having my own cheerleaders - believe me!

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