Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am doing this triathlon in memory of one of my best friends, Laura Popkin, who lost her battle with skin cancer in April 2010, aged just 32.

Laura was a real fighter and was a truly inspiring gal, deciding she was going to run a marathon after she was diagnosed with skin cancer. As the illness really took hold and when she knew that she would be unable to run or walk the entire marathon, and whilst an inpatient at St Francis Hospice, Laura still wanted to walk a mile of the marathon with Phil Packer, who was walking a mile for 26 different charities with a representative from each. Unfortunately, Laura was unable to do this, as her condition deteriorated quite rapidly.

Since Laura left us, I promised myself that I would complete a different challenge every two years and help to raise money for St Francis' Hospice (I didn't want to annoy people and keep asking for money on a yearly basis).  2010 saw me completing a 26 mile swim (over a week) and in 2012 pregnancy took over so.... 2013 here we are and on Sat 1st June at 2.30pm I'm going to complete a triathlon at Basildon Sporting Village.  Now, I'm a swimmer and can't run for toffee so this really is going to be a challenge for me especially seeing as the run is at the end!  It starts with a nice 400m swim then onto a hilly off road 10k bike ride finishing with the dreaded 5k run. 

Whilst under the care of St Francis Hospice, Laura spoke extremely highly of the care that she received. When admitted, Laura said that the Doctor's listened more to her in the first 10 minutes, than the Oncologist did throughout her entire diagnosis and treatment elsewhere.

I would love to help this level of care to continue for others in a similar situation, and the cause is very close to my heart so please give whatever you can, no matter how small.

Donating through JustGiving is totally secure and they’ll never sell your details on or send unwanted emails. 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 please dig deep!

If you're around on 1st June and want to support me or laugh at my attempt at running then please come along. Or alternatively, meet me in a nearby pub afterwards where I will no doubt be downing a fat glass of the mighty vine!