Thank you for taking the time to click to my Just Giving page. 

I started running in April 2018 as I wanted to take part in the 5km Race for Life in July 2018. For many years I had wanted to do this event and was always slightly envious when I saw friends' posts on social media showing they had completed it. I always found a reason not to register and train, but in truth I knew I was unfit and I felt too big to put myself forward to something like this.

So pushing 50 in 2019, I decided to shift some weight and get in shape once and for all and also went back to the NHS Couch to 5k programme. To everyone's surprise, but mainly my own, I found that I really enjoyed running and I was absolutely thrilled to complete the 5km Race for Life in July. 

I continued running a few times a week and met my running buddy, Jan, through our local gym. Jan's situation was very similar to mine having lost weight and recently taken up running. Together we progressed to Park Run, then to longer sessions. We keep each other going; we pick each other up when one is down (not literally - yet!!) and have had some real laughs together. When Jan suggested a half marathon my answer was a resounding NO, but she eventually wore me down and it was just easier to agree as she is pretty unstoppable once she sets her mind to something!

I am beyond excited to be doing this half marathon, and to be doing it for such a worthy case as the Institute of Cancer Research. My mum died in December 2011 and I miss her; I wish I had made more time for phone calls; I wish I had told her I loved her more often; I wish I had been more patient. I cannot change these things; but I can do my bit now to raise funds for this charity, and I know she would be so proud of me for doing this.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.