Well, I'm here in public now so there's no turning back, and not much rest until I've crossed that finish line in The Mall on Sunday 22nd April, 2007 - I'm so excited and yet it's so scary all at the same time! (and, it's getting closer!!)

Why am I wanting to run a marathon, you might ask? (this sounds just slightly better if you say it quickly, than asking why am I wanting to run 26 miles and 385 yards all in one go??) .............to get away from the family  perhaps, or so I don't have to mark those books quite yet, or because I'll be 50 next year and it seemed like a good thing to have under one's belt - The Flora London Marathon is, after all,  the largest annual fundraising event in the whole World, and it always looks just amazing when I watch it on the telly every year with tears welling up in my eyes.......

Well, all of that lot maybe, but the real reason is for my wonderful son, Guy  - to run in his memory, and to raise LOTS of money in the process.

Guy died of a brain tumour just over ten years ago, days before his tenth birthday. CLIC and the Sargent Fund, as they were then, were both a tremendous support to all of us in our many hours of need. They funded our wonderful CLIC nurse who monitored Guy's medication and welfare at Gloucester Hospital and more importantly at home, our own social worker, CLIC House in Bristol where Guy and I could stay when his treatment was such that he needed to be close to the Children's Hospital and wasn't allowed home (and Mark and Toby could stay at weekends) and also the holiday flat in Sidmouth where we spent a happy week trying to be like a normal family once again.

These two charities, now merged, helped us to survive as a family through Guy's long illness. Now it is my chance to help them continue with their fantastic work with other children and families going through the same ghastly ordeal.

So, a huge thank you for visiting my fundraising page, and here's the plea - please dig deep and sponsor me online NOW!! It doesn't have to be much, because as we all know, every little bit helps.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: CLIC Sargent will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

With many many huge thanks for your support - I promise I'll train hard and do my best!

STOP PRESS! posted 12th March (6 weeks to go) on Saturday I managed 18 and a half (the half becomes very important at this stage) miles, the furthest so far, and so WOW I'm really getting there and starting to believe it might be possible! and thank you thank you to all my fantastic sponsors - you're really keeping me going -
you've been completely amazing with your generosity!

Saturday 17th March - 20.6 miles today, and still standing - wahay!! AND I'm past my target amount that I needed for my Golden Bond place to run for CLIC Sargent- THANK YOU - can I double it I wonder? (and I've barely started with the paper sponsor form yet!)

Wednesday 18th April. Well they say that pride comes before a fall, and that 20 odd miles took its toll on my body, little did I realise at the time. I've been nursing a groin strain ever since which has meant little running, but miles of cycling to maintain a bit of fitness. (My injuries are not as bad as some I've heard of.... at least I've only got one black toenail!) All this means that Sunday's run is going to be even more of a challenge. However, I WILL be there, and I WILL make it over that finish line, come hell or high water (as I really don't want to be one of the ones scooped up by St John's Ambulance at the very end). The sponsorship is absolutely amazing, my 'paper' forms are filling up, and I hope to make well over £3000 (£4000 is possible) for CLIC Sargent - so THANK YOU!  I also want to say a big THANK YOU to my two fantastic sisters Viv and Hil who are holding their coffee and cake morning/afternoon/evening today (and also to Caroline who did the same thing a few weeks ago and raised loads). Brilliant stuff girls! Have a fabulous day everyone, eat lots of their yummy cakes and know that its all for a very worthy cause - all your donations will help to boost me along on Sunday no end! Look out for me - number 37586, Red Start - I'll be the one hobbling along but with a big grin on my face!  

IN MEMORY OF GUY x