Raised: 79%
Target: £3,000.00
Raised so far: £2,381.20
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My story

 

So as most of you will know - I am not a runner. However, 15 months ago, my Dad could walk, and now he's permanently paralysed down the left hand side of his body due to a severe stroke. Thing's change and we learn to deal with it. At Christmas we struck up a deal, if I could run a marathon, Dad would walk unaided for a whole day… in our own eyes, these were equally unattainable and impossible goals. My major motivation is trying to prove to myself, to my friends around me but primarily to my Dad, that anything's possible. He’s facing one of the most daunting tasks of his life - aged 65, Dad is learning to walk again, with only half of his body co-operating and a mountain of side-effects brought on my major brain trauma... in comparison, all I have to do is keep both of my legs moving for 26.2miles…..humm!

I will be undertaking the exceptionally daunting task of completing the Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2009 along with 49,999 other competitors… having never run a race in my life (except for the odd egg and spoon or sack race in my prime!) I have little idea of what to expect! It’ll be made much easier knowing that I’ve got the support of friends family cheering me along every step of the way!

Please dig deep in to your pockets and support a very worthy cause. The NI Chest, Heart and Stroke aims to improve the quality of life of the people of Northern Ireland by preventing and alleviating chest, heart and stroke illnesses. Every year, an estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke. A stroke is the third most common cause of death in the UK. It is also the leading cause of severe disability. More than 250,000 people live with disabilities caused by stroke. Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke is committed to caring for today and finding a cure for tomorrow

Your money will go towards care for today in the form of nursing staff, rehabilitation, providing equipment, support help-lines and providing grants for those on low incomes. Equally important is the forward-looking “cure for tomorrow” side of the charity which funds vital research in hospitals and universities and provides education within the community to prevent illness.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The NICHS Association will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

 

Just heard that you ran the Chicago Marathon, and in a fantastic time. Hope your Dad is keeping his end of the deal..... Well done Claire Donation by Gill Ratcliffe 05/11/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Well done Claire, very impressed!! Donation by Oli McCredie 03/11/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

yay, well done clairy, think you're amazing. loads of love xxxxxxx Donation by Juliet 23/10/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

WELL DONE DUDE - for commiting to it in the first place; for persevering with the training; and for actually doing it!! Big X Donation by Lauren 15/10/09  

£40.00 + £11.28 Gift Aid

Hope you're recovering well! Congratulations Donation by Rory Keith 13/10/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Hi Claire, just realised that you would have completed the marathon by now. Well done and see you at running club soon. Flick x Donation by Felicity Harris 12/10/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Well done mate, hope you're not too sore today.xxx Donation by Tara Oakman 12/10/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

A worthy cause indeed, best of luck Donation by adam Norman 09/10/09  

£35.00 + £9.87 Gift Aid

Donation by Jonathan Leather 07/10/09  

£30.00

Great cause. All the very best Donation by Ray Probert 06/10/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Donation by Stella Shorland Ball 05/10/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Claire i'm so impressed with your efforts, i never thought i'd see the day you did this, but so happy i will. Go Hard or go Home!! Bx Donation by Bruce Duncan 04/10/09  

£20.00

Best of Luck Claire!! your Dad must be very proud of you ! Donation by cathy edgington 01/10/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

GO GO GO!! Such good luck Clairebear - will be thinking of you. Loads of Love. Sx Donation by Sara Plumbly 29/09/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Good luck Claire. Donation by James Braganza 29/09/09  

£40.00 + £11.28 Gift Aid

Good luck Claire! Very impressed!xxxx Donation by Aimes 29/09/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Good luck Claire, We hope you are able to enjoy it!! Fantastic effort. We will be with you in spirit! Donation by Stephen and Ailsa 28/09/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Good luck Clairebear!!! Will be thinking of you lots on the day! xxxxxxx Donation by Zoe 28/09/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Well impressed Claire. Sponsorship is dependent on a sprint finish and ducking your head for the line! Donation by Moons 28/09/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck Claire, I look forward to the race report! Donation by Phil Goodwin 28/09/09  

£50.00

Run forest run...... best of luck - you're running dressed as a banana, right?? Donation by Gry Telje 24/09/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Run girl run...oh yes and have fun! It's an amazing thing you're doing, well done and good luck! Donation by Nicola Lee 24/09/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good luck - enjoy the run and the rocks x Donation by Patrick Castle 23/09/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Really impressed with your effort!! Donation by Teresa Redondo-Lopez 23/09/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Best of luck Claire, I think you may need to buy some new runners before the big race! Donation by James White 23/09/09  

£30.00

All the best Claire! Donation by Catherine Duggan 23/09/09  

£30.00

Best of luck Claire. I don't envy the training!! Look forward to the photo on the finish line Donation by Paddy 23/09/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Good luck xxx Donation by Stoz 21/09/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck with the training Claire! All the best to you and your dad. x Donation by Vicky Elliott 19/09/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Once you have done it- you will feel incredible for months- fact. xx Donation by William Hicks 18/09/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid
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* Total raised online: £2,381.20
  Offline donations: £0.00
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £426.24

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