Story
<p>Now I am 2 weeks away form the marathon and over a stone lighter (much needed). I have completed my 40 mile week and the tapering has begun which is when you begin to wonder if you have done enough. The fundraising has gone well so far, everyone has been extremely generous considering the amount of times you get asked for sponsership these days.</p>
<p>A little bit of background my first marathon was in London 10 years ago, I have completed 7 marathons since however it has been a few years now since I did one and I must say age has caught up with me and the training has been a little more challenging this time! </p>
<p>I raised over £1000 for a charity for my first marathon and now 10 years later I am asking for a few pounds once again. Once every 10 years is not too much to ask is it??</p>
<p>My choice of charity is quite personal to me, CORE raise money to fund research into diseases that have affected many close to me. My father died from oesophegal cancer in 1999 and although his cancer was quite far gone by the time he was diagnosed some of the recent developments in treatments of this cancer may have made his final few weeks more comfortable than they were. Additionally some of the research CORE is looking into is detecting earlier symptoms of cancers.</p>
<p>Neil is affected by Crohns Disease and after an operation in 2005 has been lucky enough to be able to lead a near normal life (don't offer him tomatoes or many other veg though!). Some of the treatment he received was quite pioneering as a result of research such as that funded by CORE. Recently another member of our family has been diagnosed with an illness covered by CORE's remit. Although their treatment is just starting as a result of research they have a great chance of a full recovery and they will be on the road to recovery soon.</p>
<p>Raising money for this charity is important to me and it would mean a great deal to me if you donated to this great cause and I will do my best to run round 26.2 miles without falling apart!</p>
<p>Thank you so much in advance.....</p>
<p>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.</p>