From early on in my life I have always wanted to be involved in sport,
but always team sports such as hockey, netball and lacrosse.

Running was the only time I was brave enough to compete alone, during my first cross country race at school I finished 132^nd out of 500, during the following year I managed a top 100 finish, 72^nd out of 500.

I am running for GOSH as they have saved the life of my friends sister twice through heart surgery and they continue to treat one of my rugby players daughters. GOSH does amazing work and employ incredible people. therefore raising funds to support them was an easy decision to make.…Also now I am working here at iCandy, I would love to help the company achieve their fundraising target of 100k to help build an enclosed isolation recovery bay.

Why I want to run for GOSH in the London Marathon:

Sally Gunnell was my original inspiration to run, I was actually lucky enough to meet Sally at a hotel I used to be a chef at! I was invited to join Sally and her family for a cuppa (slightly embarrassing that everyone I worked with was too young to know who she was!!!)

Running has become even more important to me over the years since I first started at school. Having endured  a difficult ordeal 3 years ago, my first big step in recovery was to regain my identity, and running is the only time I truly remember being me.

Having regained my confidence, I Joined Bedford Harriers with my
first race being the London 10k in 2013... where I completely forgot I was running a race when Mo Farrah passed me, finishing his race as mine began!

Since 2013, I have run 5K’s, 10k’s, and 6 Half Marathons – always too chicken to take on a full length Marathon... safe in the knowledge that all of my VLM applications were always unsuccessful…until now!!! 

I was unsure whether to be petrified or excited when I got my ballot magazine through!  Because let’s face it…I may NEVER want to run another step after completing my first marathon so why not make it a biggy. There is certainly no bigger marathon event on home turf than the iconic London Marathon.

The Farrah and the Brownlee Brothers continue to be an inspiration behind my desire to train and run. However my biggest and most recent idol is a lady called Lisa Jackson. A complete fitnessphobe, Lisa has now completed 103 marathons and has written two best sellers based on her experiences. She is a wonderful lady who gave me the courage to keep applying for the VLM…I could talk about her for hours so here’s a link instead http://www.sportsister.com/2016/03/10/i-fought-my-fear-and-won-how-lisa-jackson-walkruns-her-way-to-marathon-success/

(she has asked me to contact her once I complete my first marathon)

Training:

When it comes to training this seems to be slightly neglected where I am concerned…I have been known to “forget” I have entered events and hope a week or two of training will be sufficient!!! 

So….in order to combat this I have drawn on the knowledge of iCandy Head of Sales Barry Mooney, who recently completed the Frankfurt Marathon. Barry, along with Head of Product Paul Walker are currently locked in an office writing up my training plans!!!

Watch this space as I provide updates on how I am getting on
with my preparation. All donations are greatly appreciated and go towards this truly wonderful cause.