Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I was approached by an ex work colleague of mine to run the Great Manchester 10K in May.  I first met Julie in the Bank way back in 1989 when I first left school.  Julie was a bossy Machine Room Supervisor with a heart of gold and we had the best laughs.  Who'd have thought being a Bank Junior emptying bins, folding statements and making cups of tea could be so enjoyable.  The job gave me some life long friends and I cherish the memories.

Sadly, Julie was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in August 2010.  After Surgery, chemotherapy and Radiotherapy she eventually managed to return to work on the 2nd Feb this year, only to be told on the 8th February that unfortunately, the cancer had returned, and has spread into several places.

During Julie's treatment, she has attended Bury Cancer Support Centre (Charity number 1105130), where there is always someone there to talk to who understands what you are going through. Its not a gloomy place, far from it!  Attendees enjoy reflexology, massage, Reiki, Bowen etc, and the centre is open 3 days a week, but is funded purely on donations.  The centre costs in excess of £1500 per week to run, and they are looking to secure their own premises and be available 5 days.  It is for people and their family who are LIVING with cancer, but also anyone who is suffering from the effects of someone close to them who has/had cancer.  The centre has attendees from far and wide in the region and covers the Bolton, Blackburn, Burnley areas to name but a few.

Julie is a true inspiration, she has raised in excess of £4000 to date and the pot is still growing.  If I can add just £300 by pulling on my running shoes and doing what I enjoy most then I will feel I have done Julie proud.

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.