Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In July 2008 a very dear friend of mine, Jo Harris, tragically died after loosing her battle with skin cancer, she was 30 years old. Jo was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma when she was 19 and although removed at the time, the tumour reared its ugly head again in 2005. After a further 3 years fighting the disease, it finally took its toll.

Jo's bravery and outlook through the difficult years, and final months of her battle, should be an inspiration to us all. Not only did she refuse to let the cancer get the better of her spirit, or effect her positive, fun loving outlook on life, but she retained her amazing smile througout all that was thrown at her.

I am running the 2010 London Marathon in Jo's memory, and to raise money for St George's Hospital Charity. St George's, in Tooting, looked after Jo in their Neurological wing during some of the most difficult times of her illness. The Trust not only helps fund the Hospital, but also helps fund the Melanoma Foundation, and its goal of raising awareness and fighting this terrible disease. Melanoma may not be as prevalent in the Media as other forms of cancer, but it is equally as destructive, and as our climate changes, will unfortunately become more prevalent in society unless awareness is raised, and measures taken.

Its going to be tough training over the next four or five months, but the way Jo dealt with what was thrown at her, will be a constant motivation, helping me push through those long training runs in January, and give me the will to cross that finish line. I am setting myself a pretty tough 3hr 30minute target, which i hope is attainable, with effort and focus, and of course this motivation behind me. But of course just getting round would be amazing!

Whatever you can donate, be it £1, £10 or £100 would be gratefully accepted, and would go towards helping a great cause, and in the memory of a great person. Thank you.

Simon.

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