Updated on Jul 20th 2012 at 7:28 AM from the JustGiving API

It's hard to believe that it's 3 months since I had one of the best days of my life and all in aid of BCH. As this page closes I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support, no matter how big or small. For those of you who still want to donate the page is open for 2 more days.

Updated 28th April - Why it was all worth it:

“My 4 year old daughter has received life saving surgery at Birmingham Children’s Hospital for a rare cardiac condition.  As well as that she has had numerous operations to correct displaced hips.  Lara and countless other children and families benefit from your efforts on 22 April and I can’t thank you enough. You BCH Marathon Runners are amazing!  No one, not even the elite athletes, train for an event like this without some setbacks or problems.  Don’t worry about the week when you were ill or the fact that you didn’t fit in that one last big run. The Marathon, like BCH, is about overcoming adversity. You’ve got the miles in your legs and the will to succeed.   Your body is the strongest, most miraculous possession you will ever own and your cause is inspirational.  You’ll do it!"

Thanks for reading and showing your support by donating. Please share with your family and friends and encourage them to donate.

Updated on Apr 22nd 2012 at 6:25 PM from the JustGiving API

I did it. 4hrs 14mins 46secs and exceeded fundraising target. Very pleased, thank you all for your support

Updated on Apr 21st 2012 at 4:19 PM from the JustGiving API

Taxi driver who took us from station to hotel donated £5 to my fundraising. Brought a tear to my eye, how kind

Updated on Apr 19th 2012 at 8:21 PM from the JustGiving API

Race pack collected, reality dawns. No more to do except run 26.2 miles xx

Updated on Apr 13th 2012 at 7:18 AM from the JustGiving API

Friday 13th April. Up at 5:30am for todays run. Last time I'll be getting up at this time to do a run before the big day.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

As you will know by the title page I am lucky enough to be running the Virgin London Marathon in aid of Birmingham Children's hospital.

If any of you would like to support me by organising fundraising events then please do let me know.

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29th January 2012. This weeks training schedule was light on miles but heavy on effort. Mad busy week fitting in training, work and socialising. Not forgetting the best bit, which was thanking all those that have already donated to this fabulous charity. Thanks again xx

4th February 2012. Been to London, not to see the Queen but, to 'meet the experts'. A fantastic day. The Virgin London Marathon team were fantastic. You can certainly see why it is such a brilliant event. From listenting to them today I am on track with my training, but need my fundraising to catch up. That's where you come in...please remember every little helps...me keep going. Long run tomorrow as swapped days around so could go to London. Not sure how far a long run will be in the snow. Will let you know. 

5th February 2012. Manged to get out for a long run (over 15 miles). After yesterdays inspirational talks it wasn't hard to put on my trainers. As I fell in the snow the words of Liz Yelling came to mind which were along the lines of...the important thing is to be on your feet :-) I didn't stay down for long in case anyone saw me. Surprisingly there weren't many runners out. One person I did see running was wearing his Virgin London Marathon jacket, he probably wondered why he got such a big smile from me. Got to get my thinking cap on for fundraising ideas. Any suggestions? Please do let me know. 

13th February 2012. Managed to fit in all my scheduled training sessions which was altered to fit around celebrating my fantastic Mums 80th birthday celebrations. A good time was had by all. My long run tipped over 17miles, really pleased with the progress I am making. Next week is less miles but, more effort. My fundraising needs more effort as well :-) Thank you for taking time to read my udpate and if you haven't already sponsored me please do, remember every little help. 

5th March Been a while since I updated this page. Since I last wrote I have been increasing my mileage. Now up to 20 miles and running, on average, 9min miles. Have managed to do all my scheduled training and celebrate my birthday :-) Got lots of lovely cards and gifts. Was shown some tentative plans for the new Emergency Department last week. Was good to see what the money I raise will contribute to. Talking of raising money, that's why you're reading this :-) For those of you reading this from 'home' please tell your family and friends about the West Street, Independent Methodist church (Thatto Heath) attic sale. This will be held on 24th March in the Church Hall. There will be a stall manned by my Mother in law and Mand Coogan, all proceeds will go towards my target £2620. For those of you reading this from Birmingham I am organising a 'charity curry night' in a Balti restaurant in Walmley. If you're interested then let me know and I'll send you the details. Will keep you posted on the training, fundraising and ED plans. Thanks for reading and showing your support by donating. Please share with your family and friends and encourage them to donate. 

11th March 2012 Have added the 'you tube' clip for you to view. Please take the time to have a look. Had a good week training this week and managed a 10k today. Probably not my best time but, it was after a 14.5 mile training run yesterday :-). Had the great pleasure of representing Birmingham Children's Hospital at a black tie event on Friday night at the Midlands Engineering Dinner. Nearly 400 people attended, most of whom were men. Steve Backley was the guest speaker. He gave a fantastic talk. He was very brave showing video clips from the 90's wearing very skimpy shorts and a shell suit!! I hope they continue to support BCH. In the same way you are all supporting BCH by sponsoring me to complete the Virgin London Marathon on 22nd April 2012. Finalised the details for the curry night. 17th April 2012, 8pm at the Indian Chef, Walmley. £13.95 per person, set menu. Do let me know if you want to reserve a place. All welcome. 

23rd March 2012 Training's going well, still remaining injury free and packing the miles in. Only 30 days to go and so much to do. Received a donation from Amy Flemming today, daughter of one of the Lead Nurses in work. Amy baked and sold cakes and has given me the money she raised to go towards my fundraising goal. Thank you Amy. 

There are still places left for the curry night  on 17th April, if anyone is interested, just let me know. 

For those of you 'up north' don't forget the West Street Independent Church, Thatto Heath are holding an attic sale 24th March. My mother-in-law and friend Amanda Coogan are manning a stall to raise money for this worthy cause. 

9th April 2012. Tapering has begun! Feels weird to be running less in preparation for the longest run I am ever likely to do. All in aid of Birmingham Children's Hospital. I am over half way to my fundraising target. Thank you to everyone for all your help and support. Since my last update I've been away to New York. My training record looks great with central park recorded as two of my scheduled runs. Have continued to be injury free so, hopefully I'll reach the finish line. 

Fundraising curry night last night (17th April) at Indian Chef, Walmley raised £550. A big thank you to Ali for hosting the event and to all those that attended. This means as I approach the start line there is at least £2k in the pot. With a bit more help I'm sure I could hit my target of £2620.00 by the time I reach the finish line.

Thanks for reading and showing your support by donating. Please share with your family and friends and encourage them to donate.