My running "career" started at the ripe old age of 52 after watching my son run the 2007 London Marathon. It was an inspirational day. Sweat pouring from runners and supporters alike. Some were running for a charity, some for a lost relative or friend. Each shirt told a different story.

It galvanised me into action and made me want to be a part of this fantastic event and made me ask "Why couldn't I do it"? After much pain, copious amounts of swearing and many blisters, history will record my first 10K in May 2007, my first 10 mile in Nov 2007 and my first half marathon in March 2008. Now its time for my holy grail, a full Marathon.

The London Marathon 2009 provides the ideal opportunity to combine both fulfilling my running ambition with supporting something close to my heart, namely my local branch of Cats Protection. Sponsorship and donations are vital to our branch. In 2007, we neutered over 90 cats and rehomed 175 cats and kittens. With vet bills running at around £3,500 per month and ever increasing numbers of abandoned cats, the branch requires peoples generosity more than ever.   

Nothing can ever replace peoples TLC but please dig deep and give generously to a most worthy cause.