Who would have thought that when I turned 50 last summer, I'd now be training for my first marathon?! Certainly not me!

When I had the (mis)fortune of winning my local running club Gnosall Globetrotters' London Marathon ballot place at Christmas, I actually cried, and believe me, they weren't tears of joy! I know I've been running for a few years now, but I’m not a long-distance runner, I just enjoy a twice-weekly plod around the village catching up with friends. Having just turned 50, with asthma, arthritic knees and chronic Reynaud’s, running 26 miles in just a few months' time felt like a truly insurmountable challenge.

Then a friend completely changed my mindset, reminding me that I had overcome far bigger challenges in life and this was simply 'an extremely long run'. I thought back to this time 20 years ago when I was seriously ill, undergoing an aggressive course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to treat Hodgkin Lymphoma, and it dawned on me that many people will never have the privilege of good health to be able to even contemplate running a marathon.

So armed with a training plan and the incredible support of many amazing running buddies, my journey to London began. As expected, it hasn't exactly been a walk in the park (excuse the pun!) and has required a few lifestyle changes. I don't think I'll ever relish the 5.30am alarm getting me up and out for a pre-work run, especially during the freezing cold, dark winter mornings...hurrah for spring! It has certainly pushed me to my limits, both mentally and physically, particularly during (and after) the long runs, when my legs feel as if they are about to fall off!

However the training is also proving to be incredibly uplifting in ways that that I hadn't anticipated. The renewed appreciation for my amazing family and friends, supporting me every step of the way, quite literally in some cases, including finding some brilliant new running work colleagues who supported my training on a recent trip to Madrid. The immeasurable physical and mental benefits of making time to get outside and run in our beautiful countryside whatever the weather. And most surprisingly, little by little, day by day, as the miles have increased, so has my self-confidence and at the time of writing with 3 weeks to go, I finally feel able to create this fundrising page because being perfectly honest, thinking back to January, I wasn't convinced I would actually make it to the start line.

With the bulk of the training now under my belt, I'm still incredibly apprehensive (putting it mildly!) about completing a marathon. It won't be fast and it certainly won't be pretty, however I can honestly say that have given it my best shot, and in doing so, would like to fundraise for two worthy causes which mean a huge amount to me:

Blood Cancer UK

As a heartfelt 'thank you' from an eternally grateful blood cancer survivor, cured on a clinical trial, still here today and blessed with the good health to be able to attempt the London Marathon.

Sam Myatt Memorial Fund

Sam Myatt tragically lost his life in a car accident at the age of only 20. He was the loving son of my wonderful friend, Liz and brother to Charlie and Henry. He was also a babysitter to our children and a member of their football club, acting as a coach/mentor and referee to the younger players. Sam was a fantastic young man and it is a tragedy that he lost his life at such a young age. Half of the funds I raise will go towards the creation of a memorial to honour his life. The memorial will be a new pavillion for our local grassroots football club, AFC Gnosall, that has recently achieved planning permission and is fundraising to commence the build.

Thank you for reading my story and for any support you are able to give. It will have a significant impact, not only on these two brilliant causes, but also on this middle-aged runner attempting to plod 26.2 miles around London on 21st April!