I’ve decided this year that I needed a challenge so have signed up to take part in ‘Shine London 2012’, an overnight marathon walk in London on 29 September to raise money for Cancer Research.

As many of you know, sadly my Mum lost her battle with an aggressive form of cancer 12 years ago after a tough fight against the disease – given this, Cancer Research is a charity I’m very keen to support. It’s work has saved millions of lives in the UK and around the world by finding new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. This has contributed to survival rates in the UK doubling in the last 40 years and they remain the world’s leading charity dedicated to saving lives through research. All the research is funded by the public so it’s down to us to ensure Cancer Research’s scientists, doctors and nurses are leading the world in discovering new ways to tackle cancer.

Training has already started in earnest with plenty of daytime walks with Amy in the buggy; luckily she’s happy with that so long may it continue so I can get enough training in before the big night! The 26.2 mile marathon route starts and finishes at Battersea Power Station, taking in lots of London’s iconic sights, including Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and St Paul’s Cathedral. Whilst I haven’t set myself a target time to complete the walk in, I hope to at least make it back home for breakfast on Sunday! Many thanks for your support and I'll let you know how I get on!

Kat

Please remember - Gift Aid it! If you are a UK taxpayer, please remember to tick the Gift Aid box when donating as this will increase your donation by at least 25% at no cost to you.

.