Roll back almost two years to October 2019 and after vowing never to do a marathon again I won my place in London marathon 2020.  I trained up to around 17/18 miles when covid struck and the whole world changed.  London 2020 ended up being a virtual race for which I walked the streets of Tamworth.

Covid took it's toll on me and my family both physically and mentally, and has especially hampered my ability to run.  Getting to the start line of London 2021 will be an achievement in itself.  It's been tough trying to run again but then I look back 10 years to October 2011!

After being diagnosed with breast cancer at 35 in November 2010 I went through many months of gruelling treatment, failed chemo, full mastectomy, 2 blood transfusions and a stint in intensive care and yet more chemo and radiotherapy.  I finally came to the end of that journey in September 2011 starting a new life officially cancer free.  My form of breast cancer was particular aggressive and I didn't think I'd make it to my 40th birthday.  At 40 I took up running!

Things were good going from 5k to 10k, half marathon then finally a marathon.  It was the hardest physical and mental challenge I'd encountered and vowed never to do it again.  Here I am sitting here asking for money yet again for a marathon.

In truth I still have my doubts as whether I'll make the start line let alone the finish as I've had so many setbacks in the last 18 months or so.  So once again I'm asking for donations in the hope I'll take part in London marathon.  I've already put hours and hours of training in, more walking than running.  

This year is really about celebrating the fact that 10 years on I'm still here.  I almost died, I could barely even climb the stairs and yet here I am looking to complete a marathon again.

The centre has been a part of my life over the years, and covid has hit small charities especially hard.  Please help me to help them.

Thank you for being part of my journey!

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