I felt I had to do something significant in 2017, the year in which I turned 60;  So, 'why not run the London Marathon?', I thought.  In addition to being a personal challenge it would be a wonderful opportunity to support MRF in memory of Hannah King;  Just over nine years ago Hannah's beautiful life was cruelly cut short by meningitis, just months before her 17th birthday.  Hannah, like my two gorgeous daughters, Liv and Abby, was a pupil at Putney High School, where I have had the pleasure of teaching for nearly fifteen years.

So, last May I put on my trainers!  I could barely run for a minute to begin with; in July, somehow, I  staggered through a 5k Park Run; in September a 10k (I wasn't quite last!), then, with Liv as my running partner, managed to complete a half-marathon in November.  26.2 miles is still hugely daunting but the 16 week training plan began on 1st January..........

In return for a 'golden ticket' for the London Marathon, this fantastic charity, Meningitis Research Foundation, has asked me to raise a minimum of £1,500.00.  So this is where all you lovely people can now help;  any donation however small or large will not only be going to a wonderful cause but will help inspire me to continue the challenging training to get me to the start line on Sunday 23rd April.

I am so thrilled that already people have been so kind that I have reached my target! This generosity has certainly got me out on my runs when my legs and brain were less inclined to do so.  My aim now is to raise as much as I possibly can in the lead up to the big day.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you all! xxx