<p>Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.</p> <p>After watching the 2011 marathon, I was so moved by the reasons why people were running and the support everyone gave, that I joined up that night to do this years marathon! I conveniently put this mad whim at the back of my mind for the rest of the year, though did do some carb loading in preparation! Come 1st January 2012, I couldn't ignore it any longer and so started this arduous training. Its been a testing time, involving chafing, blisters, vomiting, acute embarassment alongside support from my lovely friends. I don't feel as prepared as I should do for run, as I have fallen off the wagon a few times, but I will do it! Ironically, my running pace remains slower than my walk and despite being overweight to start with, I'm now heavier than what I started!!</p> <p>As many of you know, my first choice of charity would be Cancer Research, however Rise is one of the sponsering charities and it is one that is also signficantly important. Domestic abuse affects 1 in 4 women and is the highest cause of female murders in the UK, with 2 women being killed each week. A lot of the affected women have children, 90% of whom will witness this abuse.</p> <p>This charity provides refuges, crisis intervention via legal and financial help, support and therapy. So any donations are welcome and if that is not possible, a cheer on the day (if you can be there) would be a great motivation for me.</p> <p>Many thanks xx</p>