Here I am again, training for the London Marathon. Last year, despite completing all the training I developed a stress fracture in my leg and was unable to run. I was devastated (as anyone that knows me well will recall). Running the London Marathon has always been a dream and this year I hope to complete it whilst supporting a charity close to my heart.

Training is going really well, and this weekend saw me complete a 20 mile training run comfortably (can't believe I am saying that!) and I have just smashed my half marathon time to 1 hour 48 mins at Silverstone a couple of weekends ago. I have now reached a point where training tapers done for the big day so all the hard work is under my belt and I'm just waiting for the start line in a few weeks.

I have chosen to support the Myfanwy Townsend Melanoma Research Fund because someone very close to me was diagnosed at a shockingly young age with malignant melanoma. I didn't realise until that time just what a devastating disease it can be. Melanoma although relaitively rare at the moment is becoming an increasingly large problem. There are few charities that are currently supporting research into a cure and your help is greatly needed.

Currently, 1 in 50 people in Britain will suffer from melanoma in their lifetime: and, unless the disease is diagnosed early, a high proportion will die. The incidence of melanoma rose by 164% in the 19 years to 1998. This puts the problem into perspective. The incidence is doubling every ten years.

The melanoma research fund supports practical research and is helping to find a cure, raise awareness and build on the success of the free Walk-In Clinic originally established by RAFT (www.raft.ac.uk) within Mount Vernon Hospital at Northwood. These are just a few of its objectives.

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

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.