Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I decided  towards the end of last year to set myself a major challenge for 2016. I have always had great admiration for anyone who has done a marathon and have always said to myself "I'd love to be able to do something like that". So I am going to do just that - I may not be the fastest (well that goes without saying!), I may have to have a few "power walks" but my goal is to get to the finish line and just complete the marathon.

I have been in training since November and sadly, many of you who live locally to me, will have spotted this image in pink trudging around the streets. It's certainly not easy to get out there and train in all weathers but I'm determined to do it. If I'm feeling tired or de-motivated, I think about those people who would give anything to be in my shoes - able to run through the countryside, take in the views and return home safely.

I have chosen Parkinson's UK as my charity. Firstly in memory of Jean Okey, the lovely Mum of my oldest & best school friend Debbie, who sadly passed away last October having lived with Parkinson's for over 25 years. I also have another school friend who was diagnosed 12 years ago who has been amazing and I admire her so much. Finally, of course, I'm a fan of "Back to the Future" and Michael J Fox (as a long term sufferer himself) who has helped so much in the research & development of drugs to improve the lives of people living with Parkinson's.

Please give whatever you can. My minimum target is £450 but I'd really love to be able to smash that figure and help to make a bigger difference. Plus the more I raise, the more guilty I'll feel about dragging my feet!

So on I go with my training with the race taking place on 17th April 2016 and by that time I'll be 53!!!! I can imagine Tricia, my late mother-in-law looking down and saying "Stupid Girl, what do you want to do that for?" And you know what - I think she might be right!!

Thank you and get your hands in your pockets! 

Love Carolyn xxxx