Back in December last year we decided to run the London Marathon....David wanted to do it before the big 40 came around and me...well I just wanted to keep on running.....nothing new there.

What's happened since then......well winter came and went, lots of early morning runs have been made battling against the elements and far too many late night interval sessions have been achieved, not to mention managing a calf injury, work load and keeping the children happy...BUT we have nearly made it...race day is just round the corner.

So, here's where you come in....... once again we need your help to raise money for a fantastic cancer charity CTRT becasue cancer is something that is part of life today and it is something that has touched more of us than we like to think.

You will know that my mum was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 10 years ago. It is thanks to the knowledge, support and dedication of her oncologist, consultants and staff at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre that mum is still here today doing all the things she does so well with the same amount of energy and love - thank God.

But with every case like mums there are so many others that aren’t. At the end of January last year one of our closest friends lost her husband to cancer, Paul was just 39. This is something that shocked us all and I am not sure that we will ever come to terms with the speed of how quickly the disease took Paul's life.  

David and I will be running this marathon to support the CTRT so that more people with cancer have a chance of a positive outcome like Mum’s – who just for the record we would be completely lost without.  

 So why CTRT?  CTRT plays a key role in raising funds for world-class cancer research into new life saving cancer treatments. The research is undertaken by consultants at the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, Middlesex – which works closely with the West London Cancer Centre based at Charing Cross Hospital . All donations received will contribute to the CTRT’s appeal to raise    £1.5 million for the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre and we have nearly hit this target. The aim is to create a dedicated clinical trials unit, which integrates research and treatment processes at the same time as improving treatment facilities for patients involved in research trials - in this case every penny counts.

So….just as a reminder here’s how to donate if you are new to Just Giving .....

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

Thank you for any contribution you make. It really does make a difference.