Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My connection with cancer, Lymphoma in particular, is my sister, Annette, and here is our story and why I want to run in her honour.

      In 2007, when I was 43 years old, my life was brought to a
      crashing halt by Lyme disease. A once active mother of two and
      athlete, I was reduced to a near invalid by the disease. My
      sister, Annette, being an Occupational Therapist, supported me
      throughout my long, three year battle to regain my health and
      mobility. During this time, needing a focus to get better, I set
      myself the goal of running the NYC marathon, (at this stage the
      furthest I'd ever run was a 10k). I wanted to run not only for
      myself, but  to give hope to others with the disease that they
      might also get well again. In October of 2010, as I was preparing
      to run my first ever marathon, my beloved sister was diagnosed
      with Lymphoma. I wanted her to cancel her plans to accompany me
      to NYC and to start treatment immediately. She refused, insisting
      she wanted to be by my side as I took on what seemed like a
      daunting task  -  I even saw her at mile 8 on the day which was
      like a pure tonic. After NYC, my sister started treatment. Her
      journey has been long and her battle has been fought with
      courage, dignity and composure. She will never be "cured" but she
      is in remission at present.

      When I was very ill with Lyme disease, I wanted to die. However,
      this year I am turning 50 and I want to celebrate this by giving
      back to others who have helped me so much along the way. I want
      to recognize my sister and all she has done for me and given me;
      hope, courage, inspiration and literally saved my life. I'd like
      to do this by running in her honour. It is time for me to do
      something to help save other lives and give back to a community
      that  my sister now belongs to.

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