Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.
On12 July 2009 I completed the British 10k, raising funds for the Brittle Bone Society. Thanks to everyone who supported and sponsored me. And to those who haven't sponsored me yet - it's not too late!
I'm pleased to have completed the run and to have done something I didn't think I could - and I did run the whole way (not very quickly though!), but most of all I'm very proud of all of the money we've raised for the Brittle Bone Society and would like to thank people for their generosity and kind words of support.
Becky xxx
What is the Brittle Bone Society?
The Brittle Bone Society was founded in 1968 in Dundee by Margaret Grant and became a registered charity in 1972. It provides support to people affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bones).
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a rare genetic condition which can vary in severity. It causes bones to be weak and fragile and liable to fracture frequently. There is no 'cure' for OI, although there is treatment available to some people which may reduce fractures or help them to manage the symptoms and the pain.
The Brittle Bone Socity provides support to individuals and families affected by OI - not only by providing equipment or raising funds for items essential for day to day life, for example wheelchairs, but also by providing support and advice to those affected.
Why have I chosen to run for the Brittle Bone Society?
Most of you visiting this page will probably know my sister, Lizzie, more than you know me! Lizzie has Brittle Bones which was diagnosed shortly after birth - she was born with broken bones and the doctors said she would only live for 2-3 months. She is now 30 and has had over a hundred fractures and several operations, including to insert metal rods into her legs and arm to try to strengthen the bones. Despite this, Lizzie has never been able to walk more than a few steps, and due to OI and other complications that this has caused, is in constant pain and discomfort.
Our parents were put in touch with the Brittle Bone Society very early in Lizzie's life and the support they received from Margaret Grant and the Society was invaluable. It also gave them the opportunity to meet other children with OI and to realise that the doctors' prognosis was possibly very wrong! It is important that the Society has the funds to be able to continue supporting families, and its many members of all ages.
And the biggest question...
Why oh why am I running?!
Those of you who know me will know I'm not a runner. In fact until I took part in the Race for Life last summer (some of which I admit, I walked, and it was only 5k!) I hadn't run since I was at school - and even then I wasn't very good at it!
Then one day a couple of months ago I saw that the Brittle Bone Society had some places for the British 10k, and must have taken leave of my senses for a while because the next thing I knew I was entering!
Despite training, I still wouldn't call myself a 'runner' - it's still hard work, I'm still unfit, and some days I wonder what on earth I'm doing (I'm sure some of you reading this will be wondering what all the fuss is about - I know, it's only 10k). But when I need inspiration, I look at Lizzie and realise that if she can defy the odds and not only survive beyond the 2-3 months predicted by the doctors, but also live a full life, go to University to get a science degree and live independently despite everything she has to go through and the pain she has to endure every day, then I can probably manage to jog 10k just this once!
And if that's not enough inspiration, I just promise myself a nice big cake when I get home...
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Brittle Bone Society 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 now!
