I have decided to run the London Marathon as it is something that I always believed was beyond my capabilities. Over the years I have grown to love running but have never come close to the 26.2 miles. I went to watch the Marathon last year and was inspired by the effort of all the runners. Without doubt there will be a lot of pain along the way. With 3 months to go my training injuries already include black toenails, bleeding nipples and a dog bite from an angry Cockapoo.

I am fundraising for the Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF) as it is a charity local to me that I have supported for a few years and have seen the good work that they do.

HCF is a county wide charity which seeks to tackle need and deprivation by providing grants to vital small charities, community organisations and to families and children living in crisis in Hertfordshire.

Hertfordshire is perceived to be an affluent county and yet there are pockets of deprivation in every district. With and estimate 30,000 local children living below the poverty line; 490 people sleeping rough every night; 658 winter deaths attributed to poor living conditions and 25% of residents experiencing mental health problems at some point during their lives - demand for HCF's support is growing year on year. 

Thank you in advance for any donations, no matter how small. The support given will make such a difference to the charity and will push me along on the cold, wet and long training runs in the weeks ahead.

(Registered Charity number: 1156082)