Thanks for visiting my JustGiving page, I'm running for the Circulation Foundation charity as my mum had a leg amputated due to thrombosis just two months before my wedding and later my dad suffered a debilitating stroke that left him in a wheelchair and unable to care for himself (see below for more detail)

25th April 2010 - The Big Day!

 

12th April 2010

Had a very bad run, no energy at all and extremely painful ankles all the way. Should have done 15 miles but only managed 11, now I have an idea of the feelings of exhaustion and pain that I will face along the 26 miles.

3rd April 2010

Ran 20 miles with Mandy and Rachael, from Telford to Bridgnorth and then back to Coalport. So relieved when it was over, knowing that the runs for the next two weeks will be shorter, until the big day in London when we do the full 26 miles - scary!

21st March 2010

Ironbridge Half Marathon - a lovely scenic route down into the Gorge, over the Ironbridge along to the Woodbridge and then a gentle, but tough climb back up along the Silkin Way to Telford. A lovely sunny day, excellent support along the way from the Telford Harrier marshalls. So glad when it was over though!

14th March 2010 (Mothers' Day!)

Went to Stafford to run the 20 mile race with running buddies from the Harriers. It was a tough, hilly course, made even more difficult by a strong wind that was blowing right at us on the uphills! In the end I only did 18.5 miles - not quite the full 20miles but I am happy with that.

London feels a bit more achievable now.....

6th March 2010

7 weeks to go.....

Woohoo - managed the 16 miles today, a scenic route down to Ironbridge and back with Nicki, it was tough though! Can't imagine what it will feel like adding another 10 miles......

28th February 2010

Only 8 weeks to go....

Training has been going well, through snow, ice and rain, managing a long run of 14 miles last weekend. This week though my old back/neck problem flared up for a couple of days resulting in only 3 miles of training during the  week, I did manage to get out for the long run hoping to do 16 miles, but due to not really knowing the route cold, cold rain and my hip hurting, I decided to call it a day at 13.5 miles - hoping for a better week next week!

Fundraising has started well with a cake sale at work raising almost £150. Latest fundraiser is a raffle for a giant Easter egg, kindly donated by Magna foods, and other smaller Easter eggs and prizes. Draw to take place on 26th March.

End January 2010

I'm in a state of shock as I've accepted a late place to run the Virgin days London Marathon in aid of the Circulation Foundation, as one of their runners has dropped out through injury. I've wanted to take part in this amazing event for several years now and hoped to complete the challenge before I hit my half century, but there are only 12 weeks until the big day!

I chose to run for the Circulation Foundation in memory of two very special people, my mum and dad, who both suffered from the effects of vascular disease, please read on to understand the impact of this terrible disease.

Two months before my wedding my mum suffered from thrombosis and was critically ill in intensive care for two weeks, hospitalised for a total of five weeks. During that time her left leg was amputated. Thankfully, she survived  and attended our wedding in a wheelchair, (she had wanted to hop down the aisle with a zimmer frame as she was a very determined lady. We persuaded her against this but she insisted on standing on one leg for the majority of our wedding photos!). Sadly, just two months later, aged 57, she passed away, but we were so, so blessed to have mum at our wedding.

About ten years later my dad had a couple of mini strokes. Unfortunately, whilst we were visiting him in hospital, he then suffered a major stroke, which left him unable to use one side of his body. This meant that, like my mum, he was also wheelchair bound, but with the added complication of short term memory problems and confusion. Due to the severity of the stroke my dad spent his remaining years in nursing homes as he needed constant care and the use of a hoist to manouvre him from bed to wheelchair etc.

I started running (well plodding really!) about nine years ago, but whenever the London Marathon was on TV my dad would tell me that he had been watching and looking for me amongst the runners. Each year I told him that I would do it one day, well the time has come for me to embark on this enormous challenge. "This one's for you Dad!".

I feel completely overwhelmed at the task ahead, but with the help of my wonderful running buddies (you know who you are) I intend to succeed, I'll post regular updates on my training progress towards the twenty six miles.

Having seen at first hand the devastating effect that vascular disease can have on people's lives I would like to assist the Circulation Foundation in whatever way I can to ensure that the impact of vascular disease on others' lives in the future is minimised.  

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 please, please, support me and help the Circulation Foundation to help others.

Thankyou so much,

Lynne

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