When my family first suggested going to New York , my reaction was "lovely, yes please".  It quickly transpired that the men wanted to run the marathon and the girls wanted to shop.  Now, as you probably all know, i enjoy running and shopping, but neither in massive quantities so i had a big decision to make.    In the dim & distant past, with wine and fag in hand one evening , i made the decision to run.   So here i am, with the date fast approaching, wondering if that was not one of my smartest decisions. 

Training is tough, painful and very time consuming.  giving up the smoking and drinking is nearly as difficult.  However, i have visited Great Ormond Street Hospital(GOSH) and for all the pain and discomfort i will go through it is nothing to what some of these kids are suffering through no choice of their own.

GOSH is a referral only hospital for children 18years and younger.  the majority of patients are younger than 2 years old.  The work they do is amazing, not just for being world recognised specialists in almost all areas of treatment for children but also provide schooling, youth club, play areas, computer games and just generally a nice environment especially with the children in mind.  All money raised from the NY marathon is going specifically towards a new cardiac unit.

It is so easy to forget how very fortunate we are.  Please give generously and do your good deed for the day.  It really does make a difference for them (and for my motivation when i will undoubtedly hit that dreaded 'wall')

Thank you   :)

(n.b. D Day is 2nd Nov...)