Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Why am I doing the London Marathon 2014? How am I going to do it? At this stage I'm not sure of the answer to the 2nd question! I just know that I will do the preparation with grit and determination, along with a lot of sweat and a few tears I am sure. 

I am doing this in honour of my sister Catherine, and all the other courageous folk who on a daily basis cope with a diagnosis of cancer, the subsequent gruelling treatment, and the adjustment (if they are lucky) to life after treatment. I am doing this to raise funds for the most amazing organisation - 

Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. One in three of us will get cancer. We are all affected by cancer. We can all help. Please could you help me to help?

Macmillan are a source of support, helping with all the things that people affected by cancer want and need. It's not only patients who live with cancer, they also help carers, families and communities. They guide people through the system, supporting them every step of the way. They fund nurses and other specialist professionals and cancer care centres.They give so much more than medical help.

My sister needed emotional support, how could she not have? So they were there to listen, advise and share information through their cancer support specialists, website and trained professionals. I know I found the website an enormous support in helping me learn more about my sister's cancer, and the treatments she was having. 

They also help financially, helping those in need to cope with the extra costs cancer can bring, giving benefits advice, and grants for anything from heating bills to travel costs. 

I am aiming to raise £2000 and even more if I can. I will be baking for sure, as part of my fundraising; so those close to me geographically can look forward to some demon brownies and the like!

Every single donation takes me a step closer to my target. Every single donation will be an additional motivator for me when I am out pounding the streets over the coming months, in all weathers.

I started running only 4 years ago, and have done a few 5k and 10k races. I did a half marathon 3 years ago, just prior to a knee op. I'm hoping that I have enough cartilage left to get me through the challenge! If I only ever do one marathon, I want it to be London!

To be honest, I am overwhelmed at times when I think of the scale of the challenge I have set myself! I had applied four times before, unsuccesfully, to secure a place in the London Marathon, each time with a rejection.

This time was the same. But I said to myself 'stop making excuses' if my sister can come out the other end, pushing herself through the draining treatment for her breast cancer, I can push myself through the training for a marathon. I'm feeling the fear, and doing it anyway.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

 Thank you, thank you, thank you. xxxx Anne

11/1/2014 NOW IT IS TOUGH!!!!! Let me explain why. On top of the steep learning curve in 2 totally new jobs and my full working days Monday to Thursday, and half day Friday,I commute to and from work for 11 hours. I have a sandwich on the way home to fuel up and get home exhausted. Then I have to get my kit on and go out training 3 times a week, before I do my long run at the weekend. This weekend I have plotted a 26km route for Sunday and am not in a good mental space yet to think about it positively!!!! This is the toughest thing I have EVER done . I am finding myself wanting to talk myself out of it, to make excuses why I can't do the marathon. Your sponsorship really does help keep me focused and strong and reminds me of the value the money raised will have for Macmillan nurses. Please continue to lend me your much valued sponsorship. Thank you.....from 'wavering' of Essex!!!!