Dear All of My Lovely Friends, Colleagues, Neighbours, Contacts and not least of all My Family

As most of you know, in just under 7 weeks, I am aiming to complete the biggest challenge I have ever undertaken. The London Marathon has always been an event that I have watched with admiration and I have always felt moved to tears by the stories and fund raising efforts on TV. This year I am planning to be part of it.

Thank you to everyone who has previously supported my fundraising for and I hope with such a big goal, you will understand why I have come back to you to ask for further sponsorship. I have completed many events over the last few years funded entirely by myself and I recognise it is a big ask along with all the other requests for money that come our way. However I have my fingers crossed that as this is MY FIRST EVER MARATHON and such a big step for me (pardon the pun) you will do your best to dig deep and sponsor my goal – to get around in one piece and make sure that my very tolerant and supportive husband sees me cross the line with a smile on my face!

I do lots of exercise but contrary to popular belief, I find running hard and frequently an insane activity! However, I have a golden opportunity this year, fabulous pals to train with and it is the Olympic Year. I knew if I didn’t go for it in 2012, I probably never would. So far, it has been tough and tearful, but also motivating, encouraging and rewarding. I have chosen to support 2 charities; the Chemotherapy Unit at West Middlesex Hospital and also Nikki's Trust (via The Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice). Here’s why....

· The Chemotherapy Unit at West Middlesex Hospital would like to upgrade patient facilites. I am supporting this in recognition of the dedicated and truly inspiring way in which my very dear friend Pippa Riddle cares for all her patients at this Unit, whilst also looking after everyone else around her. It is also one of my chosen charities in memory of my Dad who survived stomach cancer when I was just 2 years old. Chemotherapy also helped Patrick's Mum to extend her life for a little longer when she was battling with breast cancer.

· Nikki's Trust (via Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice) is a charity set up in memory of Nikki Fagg who lost her battle against cervical cancer in August last year, aged just 33 years old. Nikki's family would like the the charity to promote awareness of and accessibility to the HPV vaccine that can prevent cervical cancer. This charity is of particular interest to me after working on Cervarix and it's clinical development for many years whilst at GSK.

So please do your best to help, even small amounts added together will make a very big difference. Go latte free for a week and donate the savings, or alternatively just send me a good luck message and think of me on the day.

If you feel able to help , my just-giving link for each charity is below. Please contribute either a small amount to both, or your chosen charity.

Thank you so much for contributing and taking the time to read my story.

Fiona xxx

Fiona, Patrick, Scarlett & Tom Hughes

19 Elm Road

East Sheen

London SW14 7JL

M (Fiona): 07958 788643

M (Patrick): 077898 71482

Home: 0208 487 2161

Mail: hughespfst@blueyonder.co.uk