On 1 November 2009 I completed the New York City Marathon. This was my first marathon, and no mean feat for the girl who, as one observer rightly put it, “used to take taxis between pubs”!

I only started running a few years ago when I was looking for something to enhance my social life and stumbled upon The Hash House Harriers – otherwise known as “The drinking club with a running problem” - where I met many wonderful people including Carole and Steve Parkinson. Carole gave birth to a daughter, Caitlin (or Katie), on 2 October 2009, but due to being born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Caitlin died just 30 hours later.

Training to run the Marathon is a long and gruelling process, and having put in so much effort I often thought about how devastated I would be if injury or illness were to prevent me finishing or even taking part come the big day. But Katie’s death made me realise how insignificant that is compared to the experience of parents who go through pregnancy and lose the child so soon.

During this difficult time, Carole and Steve were supported by Little Hearts Matter, a charity that offers support and information to those affected when a child has only half a working heart.

My NYC Marathon run is therefore raising money for Little Hearts Matter in memory of Caitlin Parkinson and in recognition of the strength and courage of her loving parents.

Please give whatever you can. Every little helps.... :-)

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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.