Over the next few months I'll be putting myself through a pretty tough training regime in preparation for the Virgin Money London Marathon. This will be my first (and no doubt my last) marathon. Although it's always been a personal ambition to complete the 26.2 miles, it's also a great opportunity to raise money for a charity close to my heart.

My lovely mum, Jenny (pictured above with me as a baby and Bebe the horse), was diagnosed with breast cancer at the tragically young age of 36 and passed away three years later.

Throughout her illness, she proceeded with orthodox treatment but she felt that through the help of parallel practices her physical and psychological health improved sufficiently to allow her to face treatment with a more positive outlook.

She wanted this standard of care to be available to everyone in the same circumstances and so set up her charity, What About Me.

For 10 years, the charity generated well in excess of £125,000 for the treatment of similarly affected people. Sadly, with the passing of the medical adviser in 2009, the charity had to be shut down and the remaining funds were donated to Breast Cancer Care.

Breast Cancer Care was the charity we felt was most aligned to the values of What About me and is a charity I and other members of the family continue to support. They really do do some great work - please donate whatever you can, no amount is too small!

Thank you very much, Prudence x