Hello and a warm welcome to my fundraising page!

Update 7th September 09 - Well folks....I did it! The run was yesterday and it was brilliant. I finished the course in 38 minutes. Not a fast time but I ran throughout and reached the end comfortably which was my main aim.

I would just like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone for sponsoring me and helping me raise such a fantastic amount. It has really helped to motivate me too, both in training and yesterday, knowing that I had so much support behind me.

If you had planned to donate, but kept forgetting, it's not too late as this page will stay open until December.

Thank you everyone!!!!

If you are visiting my page for the first time then please read on!

I do hope you will be able to sponsor me in my event which is the women's 5k challenge (running just over 3 miles in London's Hyde Park.) I've never done any running before, I can't even run for the bus without people staring!

So why have I decided to do this and why have I chosen to raise money for the MPS society in particular? (www.mpssociety.co.uk)

Well, for those of you who know me well, you will already know. For those of you who don't, I am doing this for my brother Dave who sadly is no longer around.

Dave's health was very badly affected by Fabry disease, which is a genetic condition caused by the lack of a vital substance in the body. Symptoms usually start in childhood but because awareness and understanding of this disease is poor, affected people often go undiagnosed for many years. Although there is a treatment available now, it cannot undo damage that has already occurred. For Dave, who had 2 strokes in his late 20's and early 30's, it was too late.

My mum, my sister and myself have also been diagnosed with Fabry. Thankfully our symptoms are not as severe as Dave's were but for my younger sister and I there's a chance that we could pass Fabry on to our children, so treatment and support for sufferers of the disease is hugely important to us.

The MPS society works to raise awareness of this disease and many others, and provides support to affected individuals and their families. 

All donations are gratefully received, whether it's £2, £10 or more! I know the MPS society will greatly appreciate any amount. It would be fantastic if I could reach my £500 target but if I don't then it doesn't really matter because I know it will all help.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The MPS Society 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.

My hope is that by supporting the MPS society, families affected by Fabry disease, and other similar conditions, can receive the treatment they need at the right time, when it really counts.

Thank you!