Hello Hello Hello,

I've decided to run the Race for Life 2012 for a number of reasons (emphasis on the 'running' part here btw - this will be my first ever proper race whereas whenever I've done this before, I've always done it as a leisurely stroll).  Mainly because I quite fancy running in a public space without the fear of small children throwing chips at me, and also as a way of saying THANK YOU to Christie's Hospital and Cancer Research UK for all of their brilliant work.

Ten years ago, my Dad was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow. If it wasn't for the amazing, dedicated work of the numerous doctors and nurses at Christie's Hospital in South Manchester, he wouldn't still be around to tweet nonsense at me after half a bottle of red on a Friday night, or walk me up the aisle at my forthcoming wedding.

It doesn't matter how much you donate - be it £1 or £100. Every single donation is massively appreciated. And I promise, I will run the entire 5k without stopping, even if my boyfriend is forced to coax me to the finish line by waving a bottle of gin attached to a piece of string in front of my face.

Christina xx