My story

 

Thank you for visiting my London Marathon Fundraising Page!
Why run a marathon? It's a difficult question to answer. What immediately comes to mind is: for James. Running channelled the pain and anger after James died into something physical - I would turn my iPod up loud and just run, and run and run. All that running took me through a several half marathons and some great sight-seeing along the way - so here I am now!
Although my memories of James will keep me going through the 42 km in April, in the end it will be an achievement I do just for myself - maybe grief can be useful.
I have decided to fundraise for Dermatrust for several reasons. Firstly, my life's work is in Dermatology - naturally I'd like to see more research supporting what I love.
There are many reasons why you too might consider a donation to such a cause. One of the biggest killers in young people is malignant melanoma - the scourge of Australia, and alas becoming all too common in the UK as well. Melanoma is curable when caught early - however late stage disease is deadly. Dermatrust is raising funds for research into the immune system and melanoma, as understanding this may lead to better (and more targeted) therapies. 
Most things in Dermatology won't kill you - which is great news. However, the impact these diseases have on my patients' quality of life are incredible. Some are unable to keep or get a job (hand dermatitis anyone?), children with eczema lose sleep and their parents spend hours battling over creams and wraps.
Alas, we live in a visual world - it is hard for any of us not to notice and react to changes in other people's skin. Dermatrust also supports research into eczema and psoriasis, and is currently funding a psychologist to research the impact skin disease has on our patients. 
I'm sure most of you have had some sort of skin condition over the years, or know someone who has (you can ask me about your rash only if you donate!).
Thanks for visiting my page - I'll try to keep you updated with my running and training progress - and I really, really appreciate any donation you can give. 
Thanks again!
xx Steph

 

My updates 2

I did it! No thanks to my dodgy Achilles, but tremendous thanks to all you supporters for getting me to the end in 4:08:14. The big question is: will I do it again?!

23/04/12 19:06

I'm flabbergasted to see that I've raised £2000 already - a big thank you to everyone for supporting me.

29/03/12 17:15

My charity

The Dermatitis and Allied Diseases Research Trust

The Dermatitis and Allied Diseases Research Trust

Charity Registration No. 1016315

The Dermatitis and Allied Diseases Research Trust (also known as Dermatrust) supports the advancement of research and treatment of benign and malignant diseases of the skin, and the development of new medicines and equipment for the relief of persons suffering from such diseases.

Donations 74

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Amazing achievement Steph! Inspiring stuff. Lots of love. Kira x

Donation by Kira Achaibar on 25/04/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Donation by Sue and Bernadette on 24/04/12

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Thanks so much for all you've done for Hector's eczema! You are so amazing and inspiring.

Donation by Hector, Ben and Zoe xxxx on 23/04/12

£25.00

+ £6.25 Gift Aid

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Well Done Steph - we are all so proud of you x

Donation by Fay Sumner on 23/04/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Awesome effort, well done Steph! We are thinking of you from Singapore. Such a wonderful achievement!

Donation by Sarah & Josh Black on 23/04/12

£20.00

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Go Steph- you are an inspiration!!!

Donation by Cbel and Jay on 22/04/12

£25.00

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Good luck Steph!

Donation by Ellie Gilroy on 22/04/12

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Have fun runnin' Steph!!

Donation by anna terrey on 22/04/12

£10.00

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A last minute donation to inspire you for the run today - have an awesome time, crank those tunes and just keep on running! -love jen

Donation by Anonymous on 22/04/12

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hope it goes well tomorrow!

Donation by Laura Read on 21/04/12

£50.00

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Dear Steph, all the very best for your marathon effort. enjoy it all & don't forget to add "Agadoo" to the song list! Much love, Yvette & Pete.

Donation by Yvette Black on 21/04/12

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Great Work Steph! Only you can pull off the gold hot pants :) see you in Brissy

Donation by Michelle McRae on 20/04/12

£30.00

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See you on Sunday!!!

Donation by Benjamin Disney on 20/04/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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You Rock Steph! I know you can do it! Especially in those hotpants! love scottishlorna xx

Donation by lorna henderson on 20/04/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Have FUN Steph... in between all the pain and good/bad music. We will all be thinking of you on the day and sending lots of love.

Donation by Judith Bateman on 20/04/12

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Go Steph, love Jane

Donation by Jane Holmes on 19/04/12

£50.00

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You are simply amazing. Will be having bubbles in celebration of you finishing on this side of the world - just to do my part!! ;) Love you!

Donation by Phoebe Van Bentum on 19/04/12

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Good luck!!

Donation by Giles Robertson on 19/04/12

£30.00

+ £7.50 Gift Aid

Go on Condor!

Donation by Jonny Revis on 15/04/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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I don't know how you do it, amazing! Good luck!

Donation by Catherine Roberts on 14/04/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

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Good luck, Condor!

Donation by Ollie Jaques on 01/04/12

£10.00

+ £2.50 Gift Aid

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Run Steph Run! You're a star. xx

Donation by Rebecca Read on 31/03/12

£30.00

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I know you'll be absolutely amazing on the day- I'm so proud of you! Lots of love xxx

Donation by Amanda Johnson on 30/03/12

£20.00

+ £5.00 Gift Aid

Donation by Myla Roxas on 30/03/12

£50.00

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Go Steph!!! Lots of love, Carrie & Jeremy x

Donation by Caroline Cartwright on 29/03/12

£50.00

+ £12.50 Gift Aid

Donation summary

  • * Online donations£2,840.20
  • Offline donations£0.00
  • Text donations£0.00
  • Total raised£2,840.20
  • Gift Aid£227.80

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