Thanks for visiting my page and taking an interest in the dauntingly colossal challenge I have set myself!

It has always been my dream to run the London Marathon. I only intend to compete in the race once and I've always promised myself that when I did it would be on behalf of a children's charity. I first heard about the work of the Children's Trust a few years' ago. The Trust provides care, education, therapy and rehabilitation to children with multiple disabilities, complex health needs and acquired brain injury.

In February 2004, my eight-week-old baby son Will underwent lifesaving surgery at St George's Hospital for a twisted and malformed bowel. At the time I stayed calm. The desperateness of his condition did not hit my husband Andy and I until about 9 months after his recovery. When he came out of theatre, Will spent a short time in Intensive Care. He was one of the lucky ones because his problem had been completely cured by the operation, but I got to see several other kids who had been in ICU for months on end. The parents and staff showed such courage and good humour, yet I couldn't help but feel saddened by the thought of what the future held for these children and their families. By running for the Children's Trust I hope that I can help in a very small way to improve the quality of life for these people. The charity is local and to run for the Trust would be my way of giving something back in gratitude for the active and full lives that Will and his brother Herbie are able to lead.

No doubt there will be some trials and tribulations as myself and my dog Margo pound the hills and dales of Epsom. If you’d like to keep track of my progress I’ll be writing a blog for your amusement. Check out http://mandyarch.wordpress.com. Please feel free to comment, as long as you’re kind!

Thankfully this is not going to be a solo task. My friends and training partners Steph Clarkson, Anya Moran and Michelle Samman will be there to share the pain! We don’t promise to be especially nimble, but we will be putting everything into doing you all proud.

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