So, in just over 3 weeks I will be running the Ladybower 50k Ultra! I wasn’t going to create a fundraising page as so many lovely people have donated generously to different events over the last couple of years. However, several people have asked about donating and also pointed out that this challenge is rather large (and hilly), eeeeekkkkkk!

Anyway, why on earth am I doing something so ridiculous when I don’t consider myself a runner???? That’s down to Gareth, of course. Last autumn, we found out that Gareth's clinical trial had been successful and he was in remission for the second time. Gareth being Gareth wanted to celebrate that with a physical challenge! His friend, Rob, had just completed the Ladybower Ultra, in preparation for an even crazier 60 mile ultra, and came to see us after it. Of course, it didn’t take long for Gareth to get the bug and sign up. Being the supportive wife, I offered to train with him. There was no way I was going to actually do the ultra, just the thought of it made my insides shudder! We upped our training slowly as Gareth was still weak from all his treatment. He definitely did not like me waiting for him and within a month he was back to waiting for me! We gradually increased the distance, including a not so lovely run up Win Hill, where he got us lost. We ran in rain, hail, snow or blow, when he felt well enough. Fast-forward to January - we got the devastating news that the leukaemia was back and there was no further treatment available. Gareth was given two weeks. He made the most of his last couple of weeks, creating special memories with family and friends. He was always so brave and courageous, so I decided to put on my big girl pants, #bemoregaz and got stuck into training. It hasn’t been plain sailing (injuries, motherhood) but I’m getting there. Gareth would be pissing himself at some of my training runs, in particular when I got lost and had to walk (wade!) for 1k across a marshland in a monsoon.

Anyway, to the all-important charities. I am raising money for the Cavendish Cancer Charity (again!) – they are still supporting us 3 girls as we work through our grief of losing the most amazing daddy and husband. And for Cancer Research UK, who can hopefully find a treatment that smashes the sh*t out of blood cancer… I don’t want others to have to go through what we went / are going through. Please click on the charity you would like to donate to.

Finally (well done if you have made it this far), I wouldn’t have made it to this point without my amazing support crew. Gareth – I hear your footsteps beside me on my runs. My runner friends for helping me train over the last 7 months. My non-runner friends for encouraging me and coming to support me on the day. My PT, who has put together a great training plan, and my physio, who literally got me back on my feet after injury. And last, but no means least, my folks for having the girls whilst I train – who knew how much training for an ultra can take over your life.

Thank you!

#bemoregaz