As many of you know I lost my oldest and dearest friend Jessie Lieberson in June of last year. I vowed then to do something that would be meaningful and appropriate in her memory. When the idea and then the opportunity to participate in this year’s London Marathon appeared, I realised that this could be the personal challenge to inspire me; I could run for our beloved Jessie and raise funds for the non-profit organisation that meant so much to her when she was alive.

Jessie had volunteered and taught at the charity 826LA,while studying and working in Los Angeles. She became very involved in the Venice branch, now relocated to Mar Vista, where she created and ran after-school workshops in creative writing, fashion and world events.

Founded by the American writer Dave Eggers, with eight centres over America, 826 is dedicated to supporting kids aged 6 to 18 yrs with their creative and expository writing skills and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. 

A sister charity called MINISTRY OF STORIES, inspired by the work of 826LA,has now been founded by the English writer Nick Hornby , in East London. To enable funds to be collected, all donations will be made through MINISTRY OF STORIES. The final amount raised will be shared between 826LA, Mar Vista and MINISTRY OF STORIES, Shoreditch.

Since Jessie’s untimely death earlier donations collected in her name have enabled 826LA to build and dedicate a library and reading space in the new Mar Vista centre in ‘memory of her loving spirit’.

Despite the cold, bitter winter and aching muscles, this same spirit has urged me on and helped prepare all I can for the marathon run of my life. Any donations, however small, towards this great cause would be greatly appreciated and meaningful to me. Your support will help to continue the enrichment of those young minds that meant so much to Jessie, who really did inspire all who knew her to be their own individual self.

If you are unable to donate please do come and support with cheers and waves myself on Sunday, April 21, I will be the one wearing flowers in my hair!