Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Anyone that knows me will know how much of a challenge running 10K will be.  I appreciate that it is nowhere near as impressive as those that run much longer distances, but everyone has to start somewhere.  Up until the age of 35, 800m was about the furthest I'd ever run in one go, so when a good friend suggested we start a little running club as a way to get out and get fit post children, I didn't hold out much hope that I'd be running anywhere near 5K, let alone 10K !

Fast forward 4/5 months, and I've gradually moved from a very slow run-walk-run-walk 5K, to actually managing to keep running for just over 8K to date.  It is hard going, but the sense of achievement is almost enough to keep me going.....almost....

So I decided that if I was going to put myself through the torture of increasing my training and running much further than I had ever been before, then I needed to find a worthy cause to run for. That has come in the form of the small charity ‘Smile from Hatti’, set up by my friend and former colleague Alexandra Dacres-Hogg in memory of her best friend Hatti, who sadly lost her battle with a rare form of cancer in January 2015 at the tender age of 24.

On reading Hatti's story and her overwhelmingly positive approach to a truly sad situation, you cannot help but be inspired and reflective of how unfair life can be and take a bit of perspective in your own situation. Please read Hatti's story: https://smilefromhatti.com/

Two and a half years on, the charity continues in Hatti's memory to bring a smile to the face of those that need it most in very difficult circumstances. The charity also encourages people to give blood, a cause Hatti passionately supported in order to help others, even when she knew there was nothing more that could be done for her.

So there is the additional motivation I need. When I get to what feels like the limit of my ability and I want to cry, I can draw inspiration and perspective from Hatti's story. Her obvious positivity and lust for life, which continues in the actions of her friends with Smile from Hatti.

Whilst I appreciate there are many worthy causes out there, please donate whatever you can to ensure the memory of this beautiful young girl can continue to help others.

Thank you
Nikki x

#IDontSweatISparkle