Some of you may or may not know, I am turning 30 this year and to mark this milestone I am running the 2011 London Marathon.

Now this has been a personal challenge for me because not only did I used to ask my mum to write me a "sick note" every week for school cross country, but I have had to continually wear running leggings teamed up with a jacket that can only be classed as a florescent yellow "beacon" together with a bright orange rucksack. Yes, I did say rucksack, and no it is not designer - i tried to find one but no-one seems to have tapped this part of the market! A cracking look especially when leaving work for everyone to see!!

On a more serious note, even though this is vey personal challenge there is a much more poignant reason and driver behind running the London marathon - Yvonne Jean Stewart.

My dearest friend Nina, along with her brothers Daniel and Alex and their dad Barry, lost their mum and wife to lung cancer 8 years ago. Yvonne was a wonderful and beautiful person who has left a lasting imprint on her immediate and extended family and friends.
In order to pay tribute to her, the Stewart family have been raising money for the last 7 years so that other sufferers and their families are able to have greater comfort and dignity when battling this disease. The YJS charity has been working alongside the Helen Rollason in order to achieve this goal.

So I am running for the YJS and Helen Rollason charities, myself but mainly for Yvonne.

So this is where you all come in.... i really need your donations.
However big or small, it all counts and will ultimately make a real difference to the people YJS help. Your donations will also mean the world to Nina, her family and to me.

So with 5 weeks to go till the big day I would really appreciate your support so that we can really help this wonderful charity achieve their goal - a lasting legacy to their mum and wife.
If you think any of your work collegues or friedns would also like to support me and this cause, please forward this message on.

Thanks a million,

Ceire / Chel / Kiki

x

YJS Trust - http://www.yjstrust.com/

Helen Rollason - http://www.helenrollason.org.uk/