Hello!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

As you can probably tell, I'm about to run the London Marathon. Truth be told, it's not something that I'd naturally want to do, as most of you who remember me running as school I was distinctly average and never a long distance runner! So the initial idea of running 26 miles sounds like utter hell, and though I've always admired people who have taken part I was always rather pleased it wasn't me!

But as always, something or somebody inspires you to change you opinion. A few years ago my grandfather, Harold Elven, passed away after a heart attack. My grandfather is still a huge source of inspiration for me, in terms of sporting prowess; gardening abilities and the love of cooking. I was lucky enough to know him until I was 20, but I might not have had those years were it not for a triple bypass he had when I was 12.

Hence me wanting to donate to the British Heart Foundation. They are a really important charity that have been funding some of our most pioneering breakthroughs since the 1960's. Most babies born today with heart defects now survive, pacemakers help people control their heart conditions and statins are lowering cholesterol levels for millions.  

Shortly after my grandfather's death I was placed on a shortlist to get into the marathon but never made it in, so I'm rather pleased I can do it this year. Six years later. But never too late to run in his memory and for a great cause!

I think I've set myself a huge target. I have never run a race longer than 5k, and have never been so dedicated in training. So please dig deep and donate now.

Thanks!

Lexi

(And now for the boring bit)

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.