As many of you know, I celebrated a 'special birthday' in October 2017, and I decided way back in April to set myself some challenges and treats during the year and beyond...

My treats have been very enjoyable so far but for every treat I had to have planned a challenge!

My ultimate challenge, and a definite 'one-off challenge' will be to complete the London Marathon 2018, hopefully before nightfall :)

The training began in April with my first challenge in September, The Great North Run. I decided then to try and complete a half marathon each month to keep my training focussed 'officially'. October was the Peterborough Half, November was a very hilly Knebworth Half and two weeks later in December an even more undulating Bedford Harriers Half Marathon. On New Years Eve I ran the Ely NYE 10K with my school friend, June, who experienced the highs and lows of the marathon in 2011.

Training is well and truly underway with many more challenges already booked for 2018 in the build up to April, and quite madly, beyond...

I'm honoured to be running for Childhood Cancer UK, from personal experiences working with children in Primary School but also because its such an amazing charity. Here is a bit of info about what they do... Almost 4,000 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK. That’s ten every day. Children with Cancer UK is the leading national children’s charity dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer. We fund life-saving research into the causes, prevention and treatment of childhood cancer and we work to protect young lives through essential welfare programmes.

I really hope to raise as much money as possible and appreciate and thank you for any amount of donation I receive. It will focus me and make me even more determined to reach the finish line...before nightfall.

Wish me luck!

Alison x