Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page once again!
Thank you so much for all of your support in helping me to raise an enormous amount of money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. When all of the money is collected we willl have raised a total amount of £10,059, WOW!!!
All I can say about Sunday is that I crossed the line with a huge smile on my face, a medal round my neck, injury free, (except for the loss of 3 toe nails!) and the knowledge that I had raised an amount of money that certainly surpassed all of my expectations.
The emotions of the day were something that I could not have prepared myself for, and there were certainly some very dark moments on the marathon route. I have to say though that the crowds were completely amazing with everyone cheering you on and there was a real carnival atmosphere. The streets were just paved with supporters handing out sweets, chocolates, even sandwiches to anybody that needed them. I however felt incredibly sick nearly all the way round so chose to decline every offer, just for a change!
By the 19 mile mark, I have to say the pain really kicked in and the seizures and stiffening started. At every mile point there was the St Johns Ambulance and I could have so easily withdrawn from the race and handed myself over to them, but there was absolutely no way that I could have let everyone down who has shown their support, but most importantly I would have been so disappointed in myself and so full of regret if I had allowed myself to withdraw.
So instead I finished proudly (NOT) in 6 hours 55mins , still beating Katie Prices time last year of 7 hours 15 minutes. But I achieved what I set out to do:
To simply raise the awareness of Breast Cancer locally and especially amongst younger women,as this illness can strike anyone. So please check yourselves regularly, and if in doubt check it out. The earlier the diagnosis the greater the chance of successfull treatment!, and ultimately surviva!!!!!
You will be pleased to know that this is the last time you will see this page as I am now retiring from marathon running. One runner on the course said to me that there are two types of marathon runners, one just get the bug and keep going back for more, and the other do it the once and never again. I certainly know which one I fall into. I will never ever put myself through that experience again, but I will take it forward with me through life, and remember it as one of my greatest achievements. Through every negative experience comes a positive one!
Once again thank you.xxx
