27 APRIL 2010 - I can't believe it - I've just run the London Marathon!!!!!
I'd like to say a huge heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported and sponsored me and helped me to achieve my target of £2000 and then some! You have done something wonderful.
I'd like to also say a massive thank you to Trevor who accompanied me on the train to the start line, to Hell's Bells (Helen) who was absolutely terrified at the start (I hope you got to the finish OK), to Sam (a fellow NHDF fundraiser and patient of the National) who I met about mile 10 and to all my fellow runners whom I spoke to along the way.
Thanks must also go to all the residents and volunteers of London who give up so much time and effort to the runners (I don't suppose they can do anything else when their entire transport system is clogged up with runners and their supporters!!) with jelly babies, water, drinks and the nicest thing of all - an ICE POLE (that was fab)!!!
The travelling to and from London was hellish (I'm sure my family will agree) but it was worth it to take part in the best marathon in the world. I enjoyed it so much I wouldn't rule out doing it again - just not next year.
Thank you all, you have changed many people's lives with your generosity. Funds are still coming in, and my final amount won't be apparent for a while yet. I've still to total up the offline donations properly.
Love and thanks.
Shirley
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Hello,
Thank you so much for visiting my London Marathon 2010 fundraising page.
On Sunday 25 April 2010 I will be running the London Marathon to raise funds for The National Hospital Development Foundation and hope to help them by raising £2000 towards their fundraising target of £2.5m to build the UK's FIRST BRAIN TUMOUR UNIT.
There are two reasons why I have chosen this charity:
The first is because I was diagnosed with a meningioma (benign brain tumour) in January 2008 and was completely devastated at the diagnosis. However, although this has affected my life severely, I do feel, in many ways, very lucky, as my tumour is benign and 'operable'. ***UPDATE*** March 2010. On a visit to the hospital I've been told I need to have my tumour taken out as it's growing too fast. I will now undergo brain surgery in the middle of May to have as much as possible of my tumour taken out. At least I can get the marathon out of the way first!!
The second, is to enable me to run IN MEMORY of GRANT MACKENZIE, a wonderful, supportive and extremely well-loved man who was a PE teacher at my daughter's school (Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools). Sadly, Grant died in May 2008 from an aggressive brain tumour and I feel so passionately about honouring his memory in some small way.
Each year, 65,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with (primary or secondary) brain tumours. There are over one hundred different types of brain tumour and the complexity and delicacy of the brain make them unpredictable and difficult to research and treat. Added to which, brain tumours haven’t received as much attention as other, more common cancers. As a result, there has been almost no significant change in our understanding of brain cancer for nearly a century, and very few advances.
The creation of the UK’s first Brain Tumour Unit will transform brain cancer care. The new unit will be based at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London and will provide support and treatment for around 400 patients a year at every stage of the condition, from assessment through to wellness or end of life. Their aim is to establish a hub of expertise both nationally and internationally. This Unit and its accompanying 12 bed specialist ward, will open the door to many more patients and transform brain cancer care by providing support and treatment at every stage of the condition.
Please, please give all you can. It is only through medical research and treatment that medical experts can treat/prevent these tumours for others like myself. I appreciate that money is tight at the moment for most people and if you are unable to give cash, if there is something else you could do to help raise funds for this extremely worthwhile cause, please let me know. I will be delighted to hear from you. You can contact me directly at thetoddfamily@live.co.uk.
Please visit the UCL Hospital's page here should you wish further information:- http://www.uclh.nhs.uk/Charities+at+UCLH/National+Hospital+Development+Foundation/home.htm
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The National Hospital Development Foundation 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 (just make sure you tick the appropriate box for gift aid).
So please, please sponsor me now!
Many thanks and see you at the finish line! I'll be wearing my medal everywhere for weeks afterwards.
Shirley
