Hi everyone and many thanks for visiting my Just Giving page.

Well where shall I start. I put this weird whim down to anxiety about approaching my 40th birthday, clearly just some sort of early onset midlife crisis as I have only just turned 36.

I could never run or so I thought and one day with the help of a friend  I decided to give it ago. Initially  I could only manage the distance from 1 lamppost to the next.  With sheer determination I gradually built up a small circuit and eventually conquered 3 miles without any undignified collapses or more importantly neighbours having spotted me out and about.  I entered my first race for life 4 years ago and have since gone on to complete  many more race for life events, The Tatton Park 10k, 2 great Manchester runs and the Lytham St Anne's 10 miler to name but a few.

Two years ago I joined  a local ladies running group called "The Delph Donkeys" in Saddleworth. With the support  of the founder  who is now my personal trainer Caroline Fisher and the girls I run with, I have embraced the challenge to run this years marathon.

Thanks to all my family  and friends who are continuing to support me especially during the last leg of my training schedule where on  occasions it has been necessary  for me to disappear  for hours on a weekend, during the school holidays  and  even on our summer  holiday to France. 

On Sunday the 1st of  November 2009, I shall be joining 38,000 other runners in New York to run 26.2 miles, but somehow Staten Island to Central Park doesn't sound that daunting. Although I have never been good at visualizing distances.

The reason I am doing this marathon is that with your support, we can improve the lives of  sick, disabled and disadvantaged children  and young people throughout the UK. Variety’s mission is to bring sunshine into the lives of youngsters, providing vital equipment and support where it is most needed.

Donating through JustGiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me. The Variety Club children's charity gets your money faster and they make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. 

I am paying for all my expenses, flights and accommodation so all money raised will go directly to the The Variety Club.

So please donate now.

Thank you , Thank you, Thank you so much in advance !

Rachel

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