Updated on Jun 3rd 2012 at 11:50 PM from the JustGiving API

2 hr 26, 13.1 miles done! :)

<p>Like many people I like to try new things, but I must say that I wasn't in a hurry to sign up for a half marathon ... 13.1 miles of pain didn't sound terribly appealing. Before all this, managing 2-3 miles is good; any long distance running was far from my mind. In fact, when I found out many of my friends were doing the half this year, each of my responses were more or less: "Great for you (you crazy person)! But really, not for me."</p> <p>So it did come as a surprise to me when I crossed over to the other side one ordinary January morning. Compelled by the desire to support the Bible Society and with a little nudge from a friend, I signed up the same day with nervous excitement. It was around that time that I heard about this new project set up in Nicaragua, supporting children with cancer and their families; I couldn't help but be moved and I decided that I wanted to run specifically to raise money to support this project. La Mascota Hospital in the capital Managua is the ONLY hospital in whole country treating children with cancer. Just to put things into perspective: one of the kids travel with his dad 9.5 hrs covering 223.7 miles just to get to the hospital, at a cost &pound;51 for a round trip; that is 27 days worth of earnings. The Bible Society in Nicaragua helps children and their families with travel, food and accomodation; they also run a 22 bus bed shelter at the hospital for families who live too far away to travel. Before the society set up this project, about a THIRD of the children who needed treatment failed to get any, and almost certainly these children died.</p> <p>I'm sure that many of you would agree that there are many great, great causes to fundraise for and often there are so many you don't know where to start. This project like all others need and will benefit from anything anyone can give. Personally, one of the reasons why I chose to run specifically for this project is because it is the Bible's Society's response to the recognition of the pain and fear these children and their families face: they tell them about God's love. A trained team of 285 volunteers visit the hospital 3 days a week to offer counselling, prayer and help with understanding the Bible. I have been growing in trust of God's love through his Word (the Bible) over the years; it is of a great comfort to me to know that these people have opportunity to hear that they are not alone. What is even better is that they DO truly find hope in God even in what seems like hopeless situations and uncertain futures. This project recognises and provides support in both respects.</p> <p>In that deciding moment I realised that running this half is going to be quite a challenge,and later on I realised it is a good one. I'm really excited to be given this opportunity to raise money for the Bible Society in this way and also REALLY looking forward to seeing the project develop with your contributions and support :)! Please give what you are able to... it WILL make such a difference to give these kids and their families the best chance of pulling through in these hard times.</p> <p>If anyone wants to know more about the project just give me a shout; there is also a report in the Society's magazine which can be downloaded online at this link:</p> <p>http://www.biblesociety.org.uk/products/1535/49/word_in_action_spring_2012/</p> <p>Thanking you all, so much, in advance :)</p> <p>Below is a little bit from JustGiving about Gift Aid:</p> <p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving &ndash; they&rsquo;ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they&rsquo;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&rsquo;s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</p> <p>So please dig deep and donate now.</p>