<p><strong><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><em>Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.</em></span></strong></p> <p><em><span style="color: #808080;">Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving &ndash; they&rsquo;ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they&rsquo;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&rsquo;s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</span></em></p> <p><span style="color: #008080;"><em><strong>So please dig deep and donate now!&nbsp;</strong><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></em></span></p> <p><span style="color: #ff00ff;"><em><strong>Sarah</strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="white-space: pre;">*</span>** *** *** *** *** *** ***</p> <p><strong>A bit about me...</strong></p> <p><span style="color: #993300;">I am a first time marathon runner, so am really just hoping to make it round the 26.2 miles and can say to myself that I have achieved a milestone as a runner.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="color: #993300;">Having never been athletic at school, my love for running started about 2 years ago when I completed my first 10km race. The transition from treadmill running to jogging outdoors had not been an easy one. Nevertheless, I am glad I did it. Ever since then I have achieved a few 10km PB's and completed 3 half marathons (Royal Parks Half Marathon, Edinburgh Half Marathon and the Great North Run).&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="color: #993300;">I find running a great way to de-stress and to clear my head after a long day at the office. Sometimes it can be hard to get myself out there especially when it is so cold and dark outside, and the thought of just having a night in or catching up with friends over wine can be very tempting. But by being a member of a running club (I am a member of the north London club, Mornington Chasers) and by signing up to various races kept me motivated even during the freezing icy winters.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #993300;">To me, running is more than just about keeping fit (although that is definitely an added bonus!), it is also a test of self motivation and perseverance and of course the endorphin kicks that follow.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="color: #993300;">As I approach my big 3-0, I think the best way to celebrate would be to train for the London 2012 Marathon, which happens in the same month as my birthday. Although the training prior to it will be very testing!</span></p> <p><em><strong>Why I am running for the National Eczema Society?</strong></em></p> <p><span style="color: #808080;">(More on this charity can be found here:&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.eczema.org/index.php">http://www.eczema.org/index.php</a>)</p> <p><span style="color: #993366;">I suffered from very bad eczema as a child, I remember how bad the flares were as I could not stop scratching. I scratched until my skin got infected and the situation was quite difficult for my parents to manage.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="color: #993366;">For most people. eczema would disappear with age, but unfortunately not for me. I seem to be getting very bad eczema attacks every few years, they come without warning but most likely to be triggered by stress / environmental irritants. This year (2011), I had the worst flare ups for as long as I can remember, and aside from the physical discomfort it also caused emotional distress. At its worst I was quite distracted from work, had to stop exercising (as sweat aggravated my skin), and stop socialising with friends as I was not well. I also had to replace my wardrobe with loose cotton clothing, as it was the only thing that would not irritate my skin.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="color: #993366;">One day I came across the NES website as I was trying to find some answers to my situation and noticed that one of the avenues of fundraising is through sponsorship of the London Marathon, so I registered my interest instantly as I would like to help this charity to raise money for a cause that is so close to heart.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="color: #993366;">Whilst there is no "cure" for eczema as yet, I believe the charity is doing a great job in supporting those suffering from this condition - which unless one has experienced it, they do not realise the devastating and adverse impact it can have on their lives.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #993366;"><br></span></p> <table style="font-family: Verdana;"> <tbody> <tr> <td><span style="color: #ffffff;"><img src="http://www.eczema.org/clearpixel.gif" border="0" alt="" width="50" height="1"></span></td> <td><span style="color: #ffffff;"><img src="http://www.eczema.org/clearpixel.gif" border="0" alt="" width="34" height="1"></span></td> <td><span style="color: #ffffff;"><img src="http://www.eczema.org/clearpixel.gif" border="0" alt="" width="224" height="1"></span></td> <td><span style="color: #ffffff;"><img src="http://www.eczema.org/clearpixel.gif" border="0" alt="" width="326" height="1"></span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table>