In aid of The Lily Foundation, I’ve decided to take on a challenge that I’ve told myself and others for years that I’d never ever do – I’m going to run my first marathon.

On 29th September I’ll be on the starting line for the Loch Ness Marathon.

It’s truly daunting, and I’m warned to expect it to be unpleasant. But it couldn’t be for a better cause. As some of you will know, the Lily for whom the Lily Foundation is named would have gone to school with my younger daughter, who’s now 18 – but Lily tragically only lived to 8 months.

I care deeply about the Lily Foundation. I remember being told about Lily's condition when she was just four months old. I became emotional wondering how her parents coped, knowing they would lose her, but not knowing when, with our own daughter around the same age.

I’m 62 this year, I have a heart condition and I’m accidentally a recovering colo-rectal cancer patient (emergency surgery a couple of years ago found a tumour I would otherwise have discovered the hard way), and running is also my way of showing these things don't need to matter.

Please, if you can, help me reach my challenging fundraising target. And help raise awareness of the Lily Foundation and mitochondrial disease.

I'll post regular updates of my training, which in itself will be more challenging than any training regime I've previously had, and your support will help me push on.

Thank you.

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The Lily Foundation was founded in Lily's memory, having lost her battle to Mitochondrial Disease at just eight months old. The charity aims to give hope, answers and support to the many other children and families that face the challenges of this disease today.

Did you know every twenty minutes a child is born who will develop Mitochondrial Disease by the age of 16! There is no cure for this disease which is for many, debilitating and life limiting.

Please stand with us and fight Mitochondrial Disease and fight for hope.

You can read Lily's story, and find out more about the Foundation, through this link:

https://www.thelilyfoundation.org.uk/charity/what-we-do/lilys-story/