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I have never run a marathon before, but having just turned 40, I'd like to do something really special this year. There are two charities which mean a lot to two friends of mine. Being unable to decide which one to run for, I've opted for both of them.

One of these charities is the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society. The other is the Piggy Bank Kids and the Jennifer Brown Research Fund.  Please feel free to either choose one of my charities, or preferably if you could split your donation between both I would be most grateful.  I've added a link to Piggy Bank Kids and the Jennifer Brown Research Fund below.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of arthritis. It mainly affects the lower back. Other joints and other parts of the body are sometimes affected. My dear friend Keith Mannion suffered from this terrible illness for about twenty years until he was so cruelly taken from us in 2007 aged 40. Keith was a real grafter who worked on through constant pain whilst still managing to keep up his brilliantly cheeky sense of humour. He had 5 hip replacements in that twenty year period.

Keith was a French Polisher to trade. He will always be fondly remembered in our house every time we admire our woodwork which he very patiently taught me how to sand, stain, polish and varnish our wood when we built our extension. He was forever giving me a row for either being to fast or to slow depending on which task I was attempting!

Had he been fitter, I'm certain he would having given up teaching and got the job done himself!

NASS encourages and promotes research into the causes, genetics and management of AS and works hard to raise awareness of AS among allied health professionals to encourage earlier diagnosis and improve access to appropriate care.

I would be very grateful if you would  support this charity as I know it would mean so much to Keith's wife Andrea and his two young sons, Lee and Elliot.

Link to my Piggy Bank Kids and the Jennifer Brown Research Fund page.

http://www.justgiving.com/JulieLambert