Dear friends

On 21st April* I will be lining up to run London Marathon for the fifth time, I know that most of you can't understand why anyone would want to, but it is one of my passions in life.  It is thirteen years since I ran for charity and asked for sponsorship and along the way, I have always endeavoured to sponsor the efforts of others when they have asked.  

This year is different.....in September 2010 one of my oldest and dearest friends lost her brave fight with breast cancer at the age of only 40.  She left behind her three young children and her death came just a year after her own mum was taken by this terrible disease.  What was truly amazing about these two women is that in their final years, months and even weeks, they continued their fundraising efforts for Future Dreams, the breast cancer charity they had established and for which they raised over £1 million.  I saw Danielle two weeks before she died and promised that my next marathon would be for her and for Future Dreams.  I know from experience that having a bigger picture to focus on in those last few miles makes a huge difference and Danielle will be my bigger picture.  

I am launching this page on Danielle's birthday and it is almost race day.  While I appreciate that times are tough, I would be most grateful for any amount you can afford to help me to honour that promise.  Sincere thanks to all who feel able.

* Following an unfortunately timed case of tonsillitis, I am now running Manchester on 28th April