Dear All,

Update: 

It's over !!

But you can still sponsor the race (just so you know) !

Well, as you can tell from the photo I may have walked a little of the course... but bearing in mind I had 3 hours of sleep, a rampant virus and was basking in 27 degree temperatures I hope I made you proud - placing 3620 out of 25,000 participants (I know!).

I'd just like to say a big 'THANK YOU' to all those who made the effort to dip in to those already recession-strapped pockets - it's very much appreciated!  And to top it all, you've even surpassed the target by a whopping 30% (so far - eyebrow waggle !).

There's no doubt that Barts will be making good use of the additional funds - here's hoping none of us ever need to.

With warmest regards and hope you see you soon,

Deborah

 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

 

As some of you may be aware, I have been known to don a pair of running shoes every once in a while and make like a bandit around the streets of Brentwood in a bid to try this thing they call 'exercise'.  To make these gargantuan efforts slightly more purposeful - but mostly to support the charity that is very close to my heart, Barts and The London Hospitals - I have signed up to the Asics British 10k run to be held in London on Sunday, July 11th (yes, that's right, a SUNDAY!).

Why Barts and The London hospitals you may ask (perhaps not your first question, granted)?  Well, firstly, my Mother took a brief but very successful sojourn to their premises two years ago and experienced some of the best treatment known to the world of nursing and modern medicine.  Through their unsurpassed levels of professionalism and care they managed to make the whole experience just that little bit less daunting and with lightening speed she was well on her way to recovery. 

Secondly, they produce some of the best clinical outcomes in the UK - evidenced by one of the best survival rate records in the NHS.  A little history for those interested: Barts is ’s oldest hospital (founded 1123). The history of modern medicine can be traced through their distinguished clinicians alumni – such as the founder of modern medicine, William Harvey, Parkinson (Parkinson’s Disease), Langdon-Down (Down’s Syndrome) and Barnardo (child welfare). They receive referrals from overseas and throughout the , but the majority of their 700,376 annual attendances are patients living locally. is ’s most diverse community – from the financial districts of The City and , to some of ’s most deprived areas.  So you may well know someone personally who has benefitted from their expertise; your money is well spent! 

2009/10 has been a busy time for them including:

·  Pioneering stent treatment for kidney disease

·  Major award for Heart Attack Centre at The London Chest Hospital

·  Gamma Knife Centre opens at Barts – the first of its kind in the NHS

·  £6 million adult stem cell heart disease trial at The London Chest Hospital

·  Innovative new technology for heart surgery

·  Cancer breakthroughs:  New colon/bowel cancer surgical technique, Drug trial for ovarian cancer, Joint colorectal/liver cancer surgery, 100 research studies and trials underway.

So as you can see, they needle little extra help so they don’t have to stretcher things out.  (just one more) Then it’ll be smooth saline…. (I know, I know!).

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure.  Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

With warmest wishes,

Deborah