MY STORY AND UPDATES ARE RIGHT BELOW. SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM FOR THE VERY LATEST UPDATE.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page, reading my story will only take you a few minutes.

I’m Barbara, 26, from Sardinia (Italy). I grew up on a beautiful hill, in a big house with a view to die for – simply the Mediterranean Sea. I saw that house being built from scratch by my parents not longer after I was born, absorbed their love and efforts in the same way I breathed the smell of damp soil, the scent of flowers and aroma of the sea throughout my life there.

I spent my childhood at the beach, swimming, diving and greeting the sun every morning – something I miss. Hence my JustGiving page background: sea water. Not only those clear waters will always reflect who I am but I also believe there are so many parts of me flowing through those waves – mind you,  it’s not pee (although, c’mon, we all do it!), but energy.

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL. Circumstances, sometimes, make us think it’s not and we lose that connection with Nature, that innate ability to function perfectly as human beings, in fact as animals. We lose our connection with Nature when, growing up, we stop enjoying simple things and nothing is ever enough to be happy.

I believe that cancer hits us whenever we walk away from the Perfection of Nature: the bigger the gap, the more dangerous.

About a year ago, I was facing my own problems. Sadness and disappointment were kind of overtaking me, when I was told over the phone that my MUM had been taken to hospital – emergency surgery – they said. She hadn’t been feeling 100% for about a month, but no-one thought it could be cancer. Needless to say, my own problems faded, some people walked away from me, some stayed, others entered into my life.

My mum, Lidia, has always been such a strong woman, would face anything and be there for others without asking anything in return - this hasn't change. She is still amazing. She still says that LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL.

I don’t want to tell the world about how hard it is for her, we all know (or can only imagine), but I want to tell the story of a woman who is fighting cancer, a poison served to her in a silver tray through those gaps between life and the Perfection of Nature. This is the story of a woman who used to make fun of her daughter, myself, because she was the only one in the family who didn’t play any sports – in fact I have always hated sports, the gym or anything related.

Now, I will be running 10K. In your face mum!

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Dear friends,

who would have thought that I would've gone crazy in sport shops? That's exactly what happened over the weekend - blimey! I am fully equipped now, I also own several pairs of running socks. Did you know those existed?! I could run the 40K! MMMMH...maybe.

Well, here is my first week program (see pic). Just so I warm up...you all know I'm a lightweight. BUT that's why you should SPONSOR ME! I won't disappoint you :)

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Hello everyone! Right, I choose to run around the neighbourhood this morning at 6.30am rather than going to the gym. I run for 25 mins, and I’ve reached 10% of my fundraising target!

Wohoop Wohoop.

The streets were empty and romantic this morning.  And I didn’t have to queue for a freaking precious mirror at the gym to get ready for work! It’s amazing how many girls and women exercise, it’s a whole new world for me! I hope I don’t look too ridiculous when I exercise...IT DOES GIVE ME A GREAT FEELING AFTERWARDS.

I certainly did look a bit ridiculous this morning jumping to the beat. There are some rhythms I just cannot resist but luckily it was dark and I could just go crazy with my own music and thoughts.

It’s been almost a year since I found out my mum had cancer. It’s a worrying occurrence, and I remember that whole day in detail. However, it gives me so much happiness to know that she is fighting harder and harder and harder and harder every day. She is a real FIGHTER, a great mind.

The absence of improvements now doesn’t mean there won’t be any in the future.

Also, mum thanks for making ME a FIGHTER!

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11th January 2014

Just received my Cancer Research top. Thanks Cancer Research. Slightly big...ha!

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I’m in the 2nd week of my training. 

What according to the program should have been the very ‘first quality training session’ turned out to be soooo tough this morning! I thought I could die on that treadmill. 

I admit it, I had to stop earlier than instructed between the two fast pace efforts. I was about to faint and highly regretted not having a banana before the training. As usual I did make up for it as soon as I got to my desk at work with at least ten digestive biscuits and four low-calories ones + obviously a cappuccino. What am I on about?!

My right ankle is not too well either! My ankles are very weak, and I broke the left one three times in my life – which is MANY times if you consider that sport and exercise have been a very small part of my life :) I shall do something about it.

My mum starts a new chemo session next week. A more ‘powerful’ one. It is so hard being away from home in these occasions. Next time I feel like I’m not going to make it on the treadmill I’ll think of her strength. Love you mummy xx

I also want to THANK YOU guys for being so wonderful and supporting this great cause.

And for those of you who still haven’t contributed, I am sure you will find it in yourself to do it soon. 

IF WE DO NOTHING, WE GET NOTHING. Feel good about yourself, stay close to those people suffering from this horrible monster. 

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TRADUZIONE IN ITALIANO - Martedí 21 Gennaio 2014

Ciao ragazzi! Bentornati sul mio profilo di "JustGiving" (o SemplicementeDonare). Siete dei "follower" novelli ? BENVENUTI :)

Siamo alla terza settimana di allenamento, per me è già un risultato incredibile! Chi avrebbe mai pensato che ce l'avrei fatta ad arrivare fino a qui... la motivazione che mi date mi ha permesso di correre 40 minuti anche di Domenica. Sono fiera di me, devo dirmelo :-) Brava B.

E ' anche grazie a voi che riesco a tenere lo spirito alto ed è anche grazie a voi che sprigiono energia da tutti i pori. Questa esperienza mi sta facendo capire che nel mondo ci sono tante persone stupende e soprattutto con un gran cuore.

Sono sempre piú convinta che non dobbiamo mai smettere di sorridere, e dobbiamo stare vicino a tutte quelle persone che stanno lottando per se stesse e per noi continuando, quindi, a sorridere con noi e per noi.

Ognuno di noi ha il proprio modo di star vicino a queste persone. Mi sono messa in gioco ed ho cominciato questa attività di raccolta fondi convinta che anche una piccola donazione per sostenere la ricerca sul cancro può fare una differenza enorme e può aiutare qualcuno a sorridere di piú.

Esploriamo il corpo umano. Ragazzi, sembro l'incredibile Hulk! Il mio appetito e la mia voracità sono alle stelle, e i brufoli....OH I BRUFOLI! IL CIOCCOLATO...in questo periodo è il mio nemico principale. Se in passato era mia abitudine mangiarlo dopo pranzo, ora sento una estrema necessità di carburante cioccolatoso lungo tutto l'arco del giorno! Ogni giorno. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN. Cosa mi sta succedendo?

Ma ritorniamo al programma di allenamento. Oggi il programma sarà molto duro. Ritmo veloce e lungo sforzo fisico. Ho bisogno di voi anche per alcuni suggerimenti musicali. Indicatemi dei brani davvero motivanti ed emozionanti che mi spingano a correre con una resistenza mai vista prima. Anche Hulk a bisogno del suo carburante. Verde?!

Avete una canzone in mente? Fate una donazione oggi e indicatemi il brano da ascoltare nel vostro messaggio. Ognuno di voi riceverá feedback sul brano suggerito.

Un grande abbraccio a tutti x

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21 January 2014

Hello beautiful people! Welcome back to my JustGiving page, or if you are a novice follower simply WELCOME YOU, I'm sure you are beautiful too.

We are on the 3rd week of training guys! Who would have thought I would make it to here - yet I'm very motivated and I have run for 40 mins on Sunday. Well done me!

It is also thanks to you that I keep the spirits up and the energy flowing. It is FANTASTICO to know there are lovely people out there in the world who have such good hearts. We must never stop smiling, and we must stay close to those people who are fighting to keep smiling with us.

Each of us has their own way of doing so. I think that even a small donation to support cancer research can make a huge difference while doing no bad to someone's pockets.

THE TRANSFORMATION IS HAPPENING! The incredible Hulk is back.My appetite is greater than ever and spots are popping out on my face like never before (OK, maybe when I was 12...). Chocolate is my enemy. If in the past I was eating it after lunch only, I now stuff my face with chocholate after dinner and late at night too. EVERY SINGLE DAY. What is running doing to me?

Guys, today is fast pace efforts day according to the training schedule. I'm going to need some really motivating and exciting tunes to listen to. What's the best running/work out song in your opinion? Ping it in here with your message and donation, I'll certainly give all of you feedback. Make sure you leave good suggestions.

Big hug to all xx

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25th January 2014
I love weekends! Especially if they are rest days on the training program...

I didn't sleep well last night. I dreamt about things I shouldn't be dreaming about. Secretive! It was so hard getting out of bed, I sooo missed my breakfast in bed. That super techy coffee machine is not enough, though amazing. A robot which makes coffee and also brings it to me in bed with biscuits and brioches is what I need. A robot??!

Nevertheless, my Saturday started well. I was on a long phone call with Super Mummy who read my facebook post about wanting breakfast in bed and started going on about how spoilt I was, etc. She was very funny about it, I'm not really spoilt... (comments are banned on this point, ha!)                         

I had 3 brioches for breakfast. DOH(Comments are banned on this point too)

I told my mum how excited I am about the fundraising initiative and how I have not missed a training session yet.
  
'Oh, you'll finally get really fit, a real athlete!' she goes. 'But take it easy, don't do it if it's causing you too much stress'.

I will be doing 45 minutes continuous running tomorrow. Let's hope the thunderstorms and rain are gone by then. Wouldn't have a problem with exercising under the rain but I don't want to get ill, I'm still flying to Dubai on Tuesday night. OH YEAH!    

I want to keep smiling, and I will.

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16th February 2014

It’s been a while I know, buy I’m here now.  And no, I haven’t given up - I’m still training!

In 2 weeks, Starbucks coffee lovers have donated £29.97 to support my cause against cancer. I personally love that you’ve been sparing your change for Cancer research. THANK YOU.

It’s a hectic time, why do unpleasant things have to hit you all at once? Can they not just queue and wait for when you are more prepared? I have to admit that sticking to the training schedule is not easy at all – lately all I’d like to do is stuffing my face with cakes and treats. Not restraining myself I must say…

My empty charity box is back at Starbucks Canary Wharf, drop by if you happen to be around, laugh at my ridiculous picture and make a small donation. Watch this space for the next Starbucks coffee lovers’ contribution announcement…

Week 7 of the training schedule is coming. It’s 6 out of 16 now, 10 weeks to go until race date. 25 May here I come!

 

Let’s fight cancer together. Remember, it is everyone’s responsibility - I hope you undertand that. Lots of love xx