Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

Having completed a half marathon on a couple of occasions, I know that going past the 13 mile mark would be massively demanding, both physically and mentally. So, why am I now signed up to running a full marathon? I decided to take on this challenge to mark my 30th birthday. I've now been training for about two months and so far my personal best is a non-stop 10 miles in 90 minutes. I aim to breach the 20 mile mark by the end of April, albeit as a run sprinkled with a couple of brief breaks. I can only be thankful for living so close to the Worcester and Birmingham Canal as it makes for a very inspirational running track. Dare I admit that part of the inspiration comes from the heavenly aroma of chocolate as I run past Cadbury World (Cadbury's Bournville manufacturing site). I'll be happy for you to share my experience by viewing the pictures in my photo gallery below.

I knew I wanted to contribute to social good in the process of conquering this personal challenge. This to me was a good reason to stay motivated. There were a number of causes I considered, a very difficult choice if I may say so in a world where so much needs mending. I figure in the end though that this was one of those decisions that one must make with their heart. I decided that I would support a cancer charity because my life is influenced by it, as is that of so many others. Macmillan Cancer Support and I share a common belief, that no one should face cancer alone. So when it was time for me to choose a charity that I would fundraise for, they were a natural choice.

Your contributions will help Macmillan support people affected by cancer every step of the way from the moment they first hear they have cancer - be it nurses and therapists helping through treatment to campaigners providing information and improving cancer care.  Macmillan relies solely on voluntary donations to provide their services and help support those living with cancer during the toughest fight of their lives. Your contribution could help in so many ways, for example:

• £10 pays for 20 copies of The Cancer Guide, Macmillan's booklet that can help someone recently diagnosed with cancer, and their families, to understand cancer, its treatment and the help available.
  
• £156 helps run the Macmillan support line for an hour, providing on average, 13 people affected by cancer with essential information and support.
  
• £550 helps run a typical large Macmillan information and support centre for a workday.
  
• £918 funds a Macmillan nurse for a working week.
  

With your generosity, I am certain that we can smash my fundraising target. Your support means a lot to me and every single penny donated is very much appreciated. Perhaps you could consider sponsoring £5 which works out at under 20p a mile for my 26 mile run. You can donate online on this page or by texting "RISH84 £5" to 70070 (allowable text donation amounts are £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10). You should feel incredibly proud that your contribution will help Macmillan reach and improve the lives of people living with cancer.

Thank you!

Please note that this fundraising attempt is an act of compassion. I or my loved ones are not beneficiaries of Macmillan's good work.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.