On Sunday 11 July 2010, I will be running (or at least attempting to run) the British 10k in Central London.  Needless to say my good intentions to train three times a week didn't quite pan out so I can't guarantee anything like a respectable time (I blame work, of course - cue extra sponsorship please from Hammonds...).  However, get round I will.

I thought long and hard about which charity to run for and have decided to run for Marie Curie Cancer Care.  Some of you may know that both of my parents had cancer in 2007/08 and Marie Curie Cancer Care is one of the charities they have suggested.  For those of you who don't know, amongst other things, Marie Curie Cancer Care:

* provides at home nursing care for those suffering from terminal cancer.

* runs a number of hospices offering respite and palliative care, again often for those suffering from terminal cancer

The Marie Curie Hospice in Belsize Park also provided invaluable care, help and support for Carol Wine, a wonderful, warm-hearted and hospitable lady who served me up many a fine Friday night dinner before she sadly passed away on 11 July 2002, 8 years to the day before the run.  It gives me a great deal of pleasure, therefore, to be able to give back something to a charity that helped not only her but also my dear friend Gaby in her mother's final days.  Rest assured that in those moments when I am struggling round the route, I will be thinking of Carol - gone but absolutely not forgotten.

I appreciate that you probably get lots of emails asking for sponsorship, but anything you can give will be truly appreciated. 

Also, if any of you fancy a nice day out on the morning of 11 July, the route goes past Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey and St James' Palace to name but a few, so if you feel like coming down it's a great way to see the sights (me included....).

Many thanks

Miriam