I guess this page means that I really AM finally committing myself to the Royal Parks Half Marathon on 12th October - truly a terrifying prospect!

I am running to fund essential research into the causes and treatment of bile duct cancer and in memory of my Dad, Howard Rosenthal. He died as a result of this disease almost seven years to the day prior to this race, aged 57.

Long considered a rare cancer which affected relatively few people, very little research has been undertaken into bile duct cancer. However over the last few decades, there has been an enormous and extremely worrying increase in its incidence and research into its causes (one of which is believed to be environmental toxins) is beginning in earnest. The Alan Morement Memorial Fund is the only UK charity dedicated to raising money for research into this area.

It's the first time I've done anything like this (the photo is from a 10k in June which, as you can see, did not feel like a walk in the park!!) and any donation you were able to give - however small - would be hugely appreciated and very meaningful to me.

The training continues to be very challenging but now I've found such a worthy cause I am determined to succeed, hopefully with your help.

********UPDATE!**************

It’s with aching legs but a happy heart that I can report that I successfully completed the Royal Parks Half Marathon this morning.

To say I was nervous beforehand is an understatement! Despite having trained quite well over the last few months you never quite know what kind of run is in store. The beautiful sunshine felt like a mixed blessing as temperatures reached an unseasonal 20+ degrees centigrade with not a cloud in the sky. However this added to a fantastic, friendly atmosphere which was very motivating for all the 12,500 runners.

However, what really spurred me all the way round (especially between the 8 and 12 mile marks, which felt particularly difficult) was just how generous everyone has been in sponsoring me. As you may remember, every penny of the money you’ve raised on my behalf is going, via the Alan Morement Memorial Fund, to a team at Imperial College London who are researching the causes and treatment of bile duct cancer. Having had a conversation with the professor who heads up this team, I feel very uplifted today knowing that the money we’ve raised will be used to advance our knowledge of this disease and hopefully to save future lives. I ran in memory of my Dad and I know he would also have been so touched by your generosity.

I ran the whole way without walking/stopping and completed the 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 14 minutes.  

Thanks to that generosity I have exceeded my target but please don't be put off donating - the more money I can raise the more we can do to change the future.

Lots of love and huge thanks again for your support.

 Miriam x

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

So please sponsor me now! Huge thanks in advance! Miriam X