Hi All!

On Sunday 18th September I'm running the Great North Run Half Marathon.  In 2009 I attempted the run for the first time and after collapsing at 11.5 miles I ended up in hospital on a drip.  Lessons learnt:

 

1.  Apparently whilst running long distance you should drink water!

 

2.  If the sun is shining don't run through showers on the course as it can dehydrate (especially if you don't drink water)

 

3.  Don't make it your mission to complete the run non-stop especially if you feel like you are about to pass out

 

I successfully completed the run last year after learning the lessons from attempt number 1.  I felt so guilty for all of the people who donated money to charity the first time that I didn't ask anyone for sponsorship.

 

After a huge adrenaline rush and feeling quite proud of myself for not collapsing I rather stupidly decided to apply again ... so here I am.

 

I think the majority of you will be aware of why the British Heart Foundation is a charity very close to my heart.  For those of you who don't please read on and for those of you who do please feel free to skip the next paragraph!

 

For 2 years I worked conducting research into gene therapy for heart disease and so I know first hand just how critical funding is to medical research.  At the age of 21, whilst working at the Heart & Lung Institute, my dad passed away very suddenly as a result of heart disease.  He was just 49 years old.  He didn't get the opportunity to walk me or my sister down the aisle and we will all miss out on sharing those very special moments in life.  If through the money I raise I can prevent just one family from experiencing the same pain then the agony of running 13.1 miles is well worth it.

 

Please don't feel obliged to donate as I know at this time of year you may be bombarded with sponsorship requests and I genuinely don't want anyone to feel any pressure to do so.  If however you would like to donate I will be very grateful for your support.

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read my page and thank you in advance of any donations.  I'm off to continue my training ... which never seems to get any easier!! :-)