Get ready to dig deep people, here comes the sob story....

...I am running 13 great Bristol miles on 17th September in aid of Macmillan nurses, and also as a wee challenge for myself because I think that's what you're supposed to do to help yourself get through rocky times. I am engaging fully with this cliché.

Why am I asking you to give me money for running a slightly longer distance than I might normally do on a weekend? Well....Macmillan do incredible work and, without them, Dad would not have received all of the extra help he needed when he was ill over the past year. The wonderful Lesly of Macmillan fame came to the rescue when Dad couldn't eat the food the hospital were giving him. She lept into action when he needed help at home getting a hospital bed at home and nurse visits to make Dad comfortable in his final weeks. She was also on the end of the phone ready to answer any queries we had or to help call up the right doctors to get Dad some anti-sickness drugs, or just to lend a comforting ear.

Without her we would have been lost at times and Dad would have been far less comfortable. 

Whilst the nhs do a wonderful job with the resources they have, Macmillan help to plug the gaps, especially when it comes to just helping cancer patients feel comfortable and cared for.

And why did I chose to run a half marathon for this cause?

Well, running has helped to keep me sane (on the whole!) over the past few months. Escaping the house to pound Northamptonshire's quiet country lanes or run laps round Bristol's Downs has been a lifesaver, and the incentive to get out and train for this race has helped me to lace up my snazzy new running trainers when I perhaps wouldn't have otherwise felt like it. I guess it's those endorphins that do the trick at making you feel all nice afterwards. But I also enjoy running now to feel closer to Dad. He was a marathon man himself and I sometimes imagine him running a couple of paces behind me puffing away in his new balances when I need a little boost at mile 5 or 6.

I know Dad would be proud of me doing something that he loved, and I hope that this thought will get me to the finish line in just over 2 hours.

I've waited until now to start the fundraising effort in case my old lady knee wasn't going to hold out through training, but she's managed 8 miles so I'm hopeful for the remaining 5!

So with just 3 weeks to go, if you can spare a couple of quid for this great cause then I will really appreciate it.

Spectators also welcome :)

Thanks a bunch for all of your support and well wishes so far,

Tess