Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I have challenged myself to raise £200 for a wonderful charity called Milly's Smiles.  As an extra challenge I want to raise the money by single donations of just £2 as sponsorship for completing the Disneyland Paris - Val de Europe Half Marathon in 2 weeks time.

So why am I raising money for Milly's smiles?

It's quite common when children start school, for the whole family to make some new friends and when our daughter started primary school, we all met and became friends with a lovely family; Mum, Dad and two daughters.

In late 2017, the eldest daughter, Katie, was diagnosed suddenly with a rare form of neuro endocrine cancer which was found in her liver, pancreas, spine and lung. Katie was admitted to Royal Manchester Children's Hospital where her initial rounds of chemotherapy made her very ill and she spent about 6 weeks in hospital.

I have no doubt that the worry and uncertainty that comes with a diagnosis of cancer turns worlds upside down. All that was normal life alters in the blink of an eye. Priorities change. It must be simply terrifying.

Milly's smiles provide a welcome pack to each newly diagnosed family admitted onto ward 84 at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital which contains lots of items to help with those scary first days and weeks in hospital. Practical stuff like a fleece blanket, neck pillow, thermal mug and a towel and toiletries as well as a notepad and pen and a cute rainbow knitted elephant!

To date, Katie has undergone 6 rounds of chemotherapy and thankfully her treatment is having a positive effect. She has been well enough recently to take some GCSEs and go to her school Prom night with friends.

I often hear people say "I can't imagine what it must be like for you all". I'm not sure about that. I can imagine. I don't know if what I imagine is anything like the reality, but I can imagine.

That's why I wanted to do something.

Milly's smiles helped our friend Katie and her family, so I want to help Milly's smiles :-)

Your donation of £2 will make a difference, so go on, spare me a couple of quid! - A Half marathon is a long way yer know! (21.1KM if you're interested!)

How can I donate via text I hear you ask?

Just text LONN50 and the amount to 70070

For example, if you wanted to donate £2 you'd text:

LONN50 £2

and send to the number 70070

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.