I was coerced into applying for the London Marathon by a friend who really wanted to run it and had total belief that we could both do it. I have since joked that I only applied because I never thought I would get a place, but actually I did want to give it a go with my friend, and I wanted a place so I could run it for The Huntington's Disease Association (HDA). Crossing the finish line would also fulfill a promise I made to myself almost 20 year ago while I was tottering around with my zimmer frame recovering from Guillain Barre syndrome.

Sadly my friend didn't get a place, and to make matters worse she has suffered a serious neck injury which means she is no longer allowed to run.

So, after recovering from the shock of getting a ballot place, the disappointment of not being able to run with my friend, and overcoming a huge amount self doubt, I am now fully committed to trying to run the whole 26.2 miles not only to raise money for HDA but also to raise awareness of Huntington's Disease.

Huntington's disease is a degenerative neurological disease which has been described as a cross between Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. It is passed down through family members and there is currently no effective treatment or cure. HDA is working towards finding a cure, but it also helps to support families affected by this disease. Almost two years ago someone very close to my heart was diagnosed with Huntington's disease (completely out of the blue), so this charity is very personal to me. 

I still don't like running very much (I would rather be knitting) and I have no idea how I am ever going to make it to the finish line, but I'm going to give it a blooming good go! So this one is for all families affected by Huntington's Disease, and my lovely friend Emma.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.