Having said I would never do it, here it is. It’s official. I am running the Virgin London Marathon on 24 April 2016.

I was fortunate enough to gain a ballot entry, so I can choose who to raise funds for. Deciding this has probably been the hardest part of my marathon journey so far.

There are so many worthy causes out there, and I looked into many. However as a mummy, I knew I wanted to raise some pennies for those children less fortunate than our two sons, Harry & Mylo. Seeing as health is your wealth, I wanted to help children with poor health and tragically short lives to live as happy life as possible.

My mum has been a midwife in South East London for over 40 years. She introduced me to the wonderful work of Demelza, a children’s hospice which provides support and love to seriously ill babies and children, and their grieving parents.

But then my dear friend Lucy and her sister Marie got the news nobody ever wants: their gorgeous mum Kate was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and I witnessed their world fall apart. The wonderful work of St Barnabas House hospice then came to their aid and have been a huge support during low times and will be there in the future too. 

So then my heart was torn. As a mummy, I can’t even think about losing my boys, but can't imagine my own mum not being here for me, even when she is 100. 

So I chickened out, and I didn’t choose. Instead, you can. 

Please find below two fundraising pages, one for Demelza, the child hospice, and one for St Barnabas House, the hospice who will take care of Lucy and Marie’s mummy. 

I know there is so much request for great fundraising and donations, so I don’t expect huge contributions. Just a small gesture of support to these amazing causes would be so hugely appreciated, and in return I will not only stomp 26 miles all over London on 24th April, but I have also committed to walking 20 miles at midnight on 25th June with Lucy and Marie for St Barnabas House. 

Thank you so very, very much. 

Laura xx