Janet has been courageously battling the effects of Cystic Fibrosis for a long time. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition affecting more than 10,400 people in the UK. The gene affected by CF controls the movement of salt and water in and out of cells. People with cystic fibrosis experience a build-up of thick sticky mucus in the lungs, digestive system and other organs, causing a wide range of challenging symptoms affecting the entire body. Janet has handled these challenges with grace and humility and is often more concerned about the impact of her illness on people around her than she is about herself.

Janet has been woven into the fabric of my life since she moved into our street when I was nine years old. We have been close friends ever since. She brings so much wisdom and grace to my life. Her unconditional love and courage to challenge me when I need it are so precious to me.

Janet has always loved to travel and is intent on focussing on quality of life rather than quantity. Although flying has becoming more problematic for her, France is still accessible by rail. Recently I heard Janet speak about her desire to take her husband Rich to the chateau featured on Channel 4's 'Escape to the Chateau.' As she would never ask for money for herself, I will be running 5k on Saturday 8th September to help raise some of the cost. Janet's compassionate nature would not want me to give to her without also supporting CF research for all those who share her challenges. Therefore half of all funds raised by my uncharacteristic physical exertion will go to Cystic Fibrosis Trust UK.

I have been secretly training since May (worried that I might not manage it!) For transparency, and given how the training is going so far, I want to be clear with you lovely sponsors, that I will probably need a 3 minute walk in the middle of the 5k of running! This is still a massive achievement for me being as I'm the girl who always scheduled her trumpet lessons to avoid PE and managed to evade inter-form cross country for four of the five secondary school years!

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Carrie Middleton xx