Hello everyone,

As most of you will know this Christmas my family was shocked by the untimely death of my mum. It happened incredibly suddenly: one minute we were about to sit down for our Christmas dinner, the next she was being rushed to hospital. Mum lost consciousness on the drive to hospital and unfortunately never regained it. This is the single most difficult journey my dad, brother and I have ever had to go through, and it's all because my mum suffered a stroke.

A stroke is a loss of brain function caused either by a tear or blocked blood vessel in the brain and leads to the brain either receiving too little oxygen, or in the case of vessel tear, the brain tissue being damaged by the blood swelling in the brain. Both are life threatening medical emergencies. 

Because of what happened to my dear mum I have decided to run the Edinburgh half marathon to raise money for the Stroke Association. They are a marvellous charity that help in loads of ways:

They provide help and counselling to those who have strokes and their families.

They raise awareness of the signs of strokes - these are vital in getting medical attention to those who have a stroke as quickly as possible, both to minimise the long term damage and potentially save their life.

Finally they help support research into the prevention and cure of strokes.

Now as much as it sucks there is no changing the past, I like to think however by raising some money for the Stroke Association I can help change a few peoples futures.

My aim is to raise £250, which is a lot. But things like research are very expensive (believe me I know!). So from someone who has lost such an inspirational, kind and loving person to a stroke I kindly ask you to sponsor me with anything you can to help me reach my target.

I also have to mention some brilliant people who have decided to give up their time and energy to make sure I'm not running alone. My thanks goes to Toby Kirkwood, Matthew Trotter and Craig McClintock. Through blood sweat and tears we will all make it to the finish!

All that is left to say is thank you. Whether you give a penny or a few pounds it all helps, and it will do some much needed good.

Finally if you happen to see the Edinburgh half marathon I will be the lanky, pastey one, sweating something nasty, but feeling determined and proud.

R.