Many thanks to everyone who sponsored me for the run ...   and to everyone who made it such a fantastic day. Thanks to Wayne who offered to share his ice lolly with me cos I looked so hot, thanks to Charlie and his beer outfit who chatted to me to take my mind off one of the hills, thanks to the ladies who offered me wet wipes, sweeties and biscuits and to the lovely texts from family and friends while I was en route - and last but not least to everyone on here who had faith in me ! 

I'd like to say thanks to those who have donated offline and for their words of wisdom and encouragement - the phrase 'you must be mad !' of course only served to fire me up !! It was inspiring to run with so many others who had their own stories and reasons for doing it.. it was a privilege to be there ...

There's still time to donate if you want to!

Here's the reason why I did it...

I've never run a half marathon before - just the odd 5km here and there - I'm more used to exercising my jaw at the same time as my legs on my weekly run with my mate - catching up is a great way to take your mind off the fact there's exercise involved ! However, that distraction tactic isn't working any more - the longer the runs have got, the less breath I have for chatting and the more time I have to wonder why on earth I agreed to do it!

But when the joints are creaking and I'm on the point of vowing never to pull on my trainers again, there is one memory that keeps me going. And that is the twinkle in my lovely Mother in Law's eyes even as she bravely battled with Parkinsons. This debilitating disease may have robbed her of her mobility, but she never lost her dignity and her sense of humour. She was a wonderful woman who sadly passed away 2 years ago. I know she would have wondered at my sanity in agreeing to do this - but would also have been the first one to say ' Go for it! ' So Mum, I am 'Going for it' and hope to raise money to help fund the research that might mean others don't have to suffer like you.

I know how often people are being asked to donate so if you could spare £2 to help me  reach my target that would be great … I'd like to have said just £1 but you can't donate one pound online! Of course - do feel free to give more if you would like to ...