Those who know me well will need to retrieve their chins from the floor with the announcement of my intention to run continuously for 26.2 miles (42.2 km), but I hope that doesn't put you off your donation - I am training very hard I assure you!
I have secured a place in the 2009 Flora London Marathon with a 'ballot entry', and the charity I have chosen to run and raise money for is Endometriosis UK (www.endometriosis-uk.org).
So why this madness? Well in 2001, after many years of abdominal pain, restricted athletic activity and being told that I was "...just one of those unlucky women..." each month, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. I had never heard of the condition but thanks to my new wonderful consultant and finding an Endometrosis UK leaflet, I finally had the chance to understand what was going on in my body and what I could do to improve my quality of life.
Currently there is no cure for endometriosis, there are treatments available which aim to reduce the severity of the symptoms but they can be invasive and carry their own set of risks. I have been very fortunate with the care I have received over the years. The medical professionals that I encountered after diagnosis were superb, and the latest treatments I have received have given me a quality of life that I never thought was possible!
So now that I am physically able to, I have decided there is no better challenge than the London Marathon! I hope to raise awareness of "endo", to show that this condition doesn't have to consume your life and raise funds for the continued work of Endometriosis UK.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Endometriosis UK gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation. So please sponsor me!
