Thanks for visiting my page - Please take a few minutes to see what has caused me to take leave of my senses:

About Emily: Emily is 15 years old and completely bonkers ! Every one who knows her will understand what I mean - she's a bright, bubbly bundle of fun who makes people laugh all the time. If there's any mucking about or jokes to play you can bet that Emily is involved. Emily is also a kind and thoughtful girl - my 9 year old daughter Anna loves her and the way she makes her feel so grown up. Earlier this year Emily stayed in our apartment with Anna during our skiing holiday - lets just say the girls didn't get much sleep that week. The expression larger than life has never been more applicable in describing Emily and the impact she has on everyone. There's one more thing to tell you about Emily - in late August 2008 Emily was diagnosed with Leukaemia - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) to be precise. Emily, her family and friends are still in shock.

About Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT): You can read about the incredible work and help that TCT perform down below and also by logging onto their website. In 2006, the firm that I work for, Credit Suisse, chose TCT as their charity of the year - and the funds raised helped enormously. In August Emily and her family experienced the help that TCT provide when Emily was admitted to the Young Persons Ward at UCH London.

About Me: When someone close to you contracts something awful like Leukemia it really hits home . For me it was the feeling of how hopeless and helpless I was in doing anything about this. When we first went to see Emily after hearing her terrible news it was to be honest like a terrible nightmare - which didn't go away. We were all shocked and seeing Emily scared of what she was facing made me determined to do something. So Emily and I made a promise that day ( and we shook hands on it !) Even though she was scared and she knew things were going to get tough for her as she fought this terrible illness Emily promised me she would NEVER GIVE UP. And in return I promised Emily that despite being 43 years old, not having run further than 1 mile (and that was when I was 16) I would run the London Marathon. The thought of this is completely scary and for those who know me well it's completely bonkers but just as Emily promised not to give up neither am I. I've got my place and I'm going to do it in April 2009. In doing so I am going to do my darndest to run a reasonable time and raise £10,000 for TCT. So now you know what this is all about I make no apology in asking you to please donate generously and more than you would do normally so that together with everyone's help we can help Emily and many more like her to beat Cancer. All you money will go directly to TCT if you donate on this site - plus if you are a tax payer both you and TCT benefit so dont forget those details when prompted by the website. Look out for my regular updates on progress. In the mean time I would like to say a huge THANK YOU for your support. It is really appreciated.

Simon.

P.S. A FINAL WORD FROM ME: EMILY THIS IS FOR YOU - BE BRAVE AND DON'T FORGET WHAT YOU PROMISED ME !