Hi everyone...........

So i'm running the 2009 Flora London Marathon, and i need you to make it happen. It's something i've always wanted to do but never quite got round to..... Having reached my target of £2500 i's now really like to push the limits at hit £3000 so please make it happen it's for such a great cause........

Last year my sister was diagnosed with a brain tumour- it was an emotional time for everyone. She has battled through to make a full recovery. The experience has given me massive drive to give back to all the research and support that helped her, our family and friends through these times. And, to show her how proud I am that's she's achieved so much, just a year after surgery.

The Brain Research Trust, who i am running for, are a huge steering organisation into brain tumour research. This year in particular is of interest as their focus is on Brain Tumour Research. Not only this but their research also spans across a wide variety of neurological diseases and conditions including Alzheimer's, Autism, Epilepsy, Huntington's Disease, Migraine, Motor Neurone Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, Stroke and Serious Head Injury. You can find out more at http://www.brt.org.uk/ 

As you can see it's a hugely worthwhile cause as the majority of us know someone or maybe have personnally been affected by any one of these conditions.

If you could help me to help them i would be so grateful, however big or small......in the words of the large supermarket chain........'every little helps'!!!

Thanks so much for taking a look and i'll keep you all updated on my training for the big day!!!

H x

P.S. Don't forget to Gift Aid your donations!!!!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Brain Research Trust 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.

Training Update......

September '08 well not going too well, but joined a running club and getting some miles in my legs!! Planning to run HALF MARATHON on 30th November. Will keep you all posted

October '08 training has really hit a rock bottom at the end of this month, getting in some 6/7 mile runs but it's a struggle!!!

November '08 had a booster session which consisted of panic training for the half marathon on the 30th. A week of training and a half marathon (done in 2h20mins) later i'm in pain- i've started to realise how hard this is going to be!!!!!!!

December '08 ...........well it was christmas!!!! So i ate, drank, got merry and didn't do much training, felt a half marathon at the end of last month was quite enough and deserved a break! (nb. Just trying to make myself feel better about my lack of training!!!)

January '09 ...........Snow!! Wet!! Miserable England, decided that the marathon should bein the autumn at least that way i can train through the summer, started to get back in the gym and do my training diary but with Cape Town in the not so distant future decided that would be the perfect time to kickstart my training regime!!

February '09...........It's not quite over yet!! But Cape Town turned out to be the perfect kickstart! After several painful PT sessions and lots of swimming i came back to the less snowy UK with the drive to 'keep on running'!!!! So Here's to the next 10 weeks...I have a Half Marathon on the 15th of March, then debating the possibility of a 21 mile race in late march/early April- advice very welcome!!!

March '09...........Well the half marathon was a no goer as i hurt my back so was off running for a week or two!! Coming to the end of the month and i'm getting back into it (better late than never) and with the longer days and less things to juggle i have no excuses!! I have a 16 mile human race at the weekend and then toying with the idea of a 20 mile race a week later?!?! Thanks to everyone for the generous sponsorship!!!

April '09...........Entering this only a few days to go and the weather is getting warm!!! Resting this week partly by choice and patrtly due to need (sore ankle) but fingers crossed fro sunday-  i will crawl it if i have to!!! Really looking forward to it, i can't say i'm prepared but i'm ready- got my go-gels and running belt!!! Running in a white and green vest on the day with HARRIE in big black text across the front will be waving at the camera's to all you guys...all i'm aiming for is to beat Katie Price!!!!

April 26th 2009 ...........THE LONDON MARATHON!!!!!!!! I did it!!!!! It took a while but i got round in 5hrs 22 (including 2 loo breaks which were a mighty queue for us ladies!! I didn't get my p-mate!!) Thanks so much for all your support it's truely amazing!!! I really had such a fun day and i'm just about moving properly again now!!! If you're free would be fantasic to see you all at the Garden's Open on the 7th June. Lots of Love H x x x

June 7th '09...........GARDEN OPEN. On the 7th of June my parents are opening their garden as part of the National Garden Scheme. On this day a percentage of the takings will be going to the BRT so please come if you have a free day. Mum does the most amazing teas- the best homemade carrot cake and strawberry meringues around!!!!! If you would like information about the garden or how to get there you can go onto the following link on the NGS website and enter garden name LONGER END COTTAGE http://www.ngs.org.uk/gardens/gardenfinder/garden.aspx?id=18457