Cancer turned my life upside down in 2012. In the space of just 8 weeks, it took the life of my boss Emma, my Mum, and in the last few week’s of Mum’s life I learned that cancer had dug its ugly claws into my brother Rob, leaving him with a condition that will never be cured. Yes, my brother Rob has incurable cancer and was just 48 when diagnosed. By the time he was diagnosed, his cancer had already spread. I was absolutely devastated, then I was angry. Now I am determined and hopeful - I have pledged a war on cancer.

I have run Race for Life for the past 5 years raising money for Cancer Research UK. Since 2012, I have doubled my efforts, raising even more funds to try to find ways of preventing, curing and treating cancer. As many of you know, I won the Race for Life at Crystal Palace in 2013 and came second in 2012. I will continue to run Race for Life but felt I needed a bigger challenge for 2014. So I applied for a Golden Bond Place to run the Virgin Money London Marathon for Cancer Research UK and I am honoured and overwhelmed that they have awarded me a place.

The amount I need to raise is £2,000. I have managed this and more with my Race for Life efforts however, I take nothing for granted. £2,000 is a lot of money to raise. Please help me get there – it would be fantastic to raise this sum and even more if at all possible.  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 Cancer Research UK.  You can also donate by cash or cheque if you would prefer. Remember, you won’t just be helping me get over that finish line, but through the months of training in the wind, the rain and the snow! (In fact, I have been in training since mid-November so have already endured some pretty awful weather to date!)  More importantly though, you will be helping thousands of people in their fight against cancer.

So, in memory of Emma and Mum, for my friends Jess and Sally who have both just beaten cancer and for my dear brother Rob (who is an absolute inspiration), I dedicate this Marathon to you.

Thank you all so much.

Debs x