Hello everyone,

As most of you will know I ran the Reading Half Marathon 2011 on 20th March in 2 hours 16 mins...not quite my target by not too far off. I'm upping the ante this weekend though as I prepare to run the Brighton Marathon in under 5 hours. There I've said it, it is published on the world wide web that that is my target! Hopefully this will give me some motivation to keep those tired legs plodding at miles 21+ round Shoreham Harbour.

Seeing as they so kindly got me my training place in the Reading half, I am continuing to try and raise money for the Royal Berks Charity which exists to support the Royal Berkshire Hospital. I have a big soft spot and enduring sense of gratitude to this hospital as it was the gastroenterology and antenatal teams here who looked after me when I was pregnant. They helped to bring Noah safely in to the world despite my needing surgery during my pregnancy and a great deal of follow up treatment. The high level of care we received meant we were both kept safe and well throughout the whole experience, and suffered no lasting effects. We really couldn't have asked for more from them.

The Royal Berks charity exists specifically to purchase extra equipment and fund research work and building enhancements for the The Royal Berkshire Hospital, which treats huge numbers of patients each year across the county of Berkshire. Often, many of the things that make patients experience much better in hospital are not afforded by the NHS so the hospital has to fundraise for these things themselves. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to letting you know how I get on on the day. If youre in Brighton be sure to come and out and cheer - I'll need all the encouragement I can get!

Ciao for now

Leila xx