Hi all

Thanks for taking the time to visit my Just Giving page.

For the people who know me I have always enjoyed running as a hobby and completed a half marathon for the Bone Cancer Research Trust in 2009. After this race I got the bug and thought 'one day I will run the London Marathon'. I entered the ballot last year and was lucky enough to get a place, so in April 2012 I will be running the London Marathon raising money for the Acute Stroke Unit at Poole Hospital NHS Trust.

I chose this charity for a number of reasons. 1) Stroke is the third biggest killer in the UK and a major cause of disability. 25% of strokes happen to people under the age of 65 years. 2) I work as a dietitian on the unit and see on a daily basis the debilitating effects a stroke can have on patients. 3) Sadly in August last year my partners mother suffered a large stroke which has left her fully dependant on carers at the young age of 64 (the same age as my father). Prior to the stroke she was fully independent and enjoyed life.

During her stroke rehabilitation she worked with a number of health care professions including physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, dietitians, occupational therapists in addition to the nurses and doctors on the ward. My partner was touched by the care she received which he felt enabled her to feel supported throughout her journey adjusting to the debilitating effects of the stroke.

Sadly on the 11/04/2012 my partner's mother passed away :-( I am now more determined than ever to complete the marathon for her.

This charity is close to my heart and I want to give something back to the unit. The money I raise could buy new equipment or could even pay for staff training.

I know times are tight in terms of money but any amount big or small that you can donate today for this worthy cause will help me on my way on Marathon day and keep me going when my legs are feeling really tired! Please dig as deep as you can, thank you.