We (Ursula and Roisin) have been childhood friends since the age of 4. Given our hectic lives with demanding careers, children, dog, newts, fish and even more demanding husbands, we have decided to have a break and do some Christmas shopping in The Big Apple, and... er... run (crawl?) the 26.2 mile New York Marathon.

This is in an attempt to get fit, stay healthy and, most importantly, raise important funds for a charity close to our hearts. Both our lives have been deeply affected by cancer and so we are raising funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care to ensure others have a greater chance of comfort and dignity in the latter stages of their disease.

Please show us moral support by encouraging us to get up early, give up valuable time with our children and pound the streets of London and Manchester while we train.

The good news is we've discovered a whole new retail experience -- if only we could get high-heeled running shoes!

We both appreciate your pledge!! Thank you.

Love Ursula and Roisin