Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

The National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome's (NAPS) prime objective are to promote the interests of sufferers of Premenstrual Syndrome ,PMS and also encourage a better understanding of wider women's health issues. 

The charity offers specialist information, support and advice through a dedicated team of health professionals. Twice  yearly conferences on Women's Health are organised for Healthcare professionals.

Funding is needed for to continue the work of the charity, including the development of the NAPs website.

I am a GP in Derbyshire and  one of the team working for the sexual health service in the city of Derby.Throughout my career I have had a special interest in women's health. I have worked for NAPS for the last 16 years. I am a trustee and I am one of the  specialists that respond to queries from PMS sufferers.

I have always enjoyed exercise. I started distance running about 10 years ago and during this time have completed a few half marathons including Ashbourne, the New Forest and more recently Palma, Mallorca last October. So this is the first time I have entered a marathon and have been reassured by my husband, Peter (also my coach) that it is not too hilly. So the training programme has begun and myself and running companions Peter and dog Millie are coping OK so far but I will keep you posted!

Update 17th August: so the training is going according to plan- I think! We have managed 21 miles now which, apparently is the most we have to do before the day. The trouble is- at this present pace- I am going to take 6 hours to complete the marathon! So I need to 'up my game a little'. I am feeling my hamstrings more than I ever have but am still feel confident that I can do it.

A bonus- we are dioscovering more beautiful countryside around our home town of Ashbourne.

Update 1st September: I now know what it feels like to 'hit the wall' !. At about 18 miles of a 20 mile run, a few days ago my legs felt like lead, as though they were going to give way. I had to walk the remainder of the distance and felt rather pessimistic. However after lots of encouraging words from Peter and my kids, Rachel and David I am back on track. Only 4 weeks to go and soon we will actually be starting to reduce the distances we do each week.

1st October.

We did it!- Peter in 4hrs 4 mins and I did 4hrs 52 mins. In the couple of weeks leading up to the day you are advised to quite significantly reduce the miles- good but then you start to really doubt whether you are going to be able to do it on the day. Also about 10 days ago I came down with a viral infection which again threatened being able to go for it- still not 100 % on the day (doctors are the worst patients!)

The city of Inverness was beautiful- and the surrounding countryside. The local people were extremely welcoming and the event well organised. Lots of buses (2,950 runners) took us out to the end of Loch Ness in the morning and then we had a rather chilly hour or so waiting for the race to begin- but they supplied hot drinks to keep the spirits up. I was amazed how quickly the first half went and was encouraged to find out that I had completed this in just over 2 hours- a first. However at about 18 miles the pain set in and I had to slow down. As well as the distance the second half of the course was more hilly than the first.

There was a warm welcome in the town as we ran the last 2 miles through the streets of Inverness and a hot cup of soup and potatoe pie on our return.

Achy now but planning our next one- so it can't have been too bad. Thank you so much for all your support X