Thanks to everyone that donated originally when I was due to run in 2020. The race was posptoned for obvious reasons and I will now be taking part in the 2021 race on October 3rd. I have re begun my training and am roughly 5 weeks in. All proceeds will still be going to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity so any donations are hugely appreciated. Despite the sweaty runs and various niggling injuries I can't wait to run the race in memory of Peter Adams and make him proud. 

Hi everyone, 

For those of you that know me, you’ll agree that Janine, running and Marathon were 3 words that were unlikely to be said in the same sentence…

In 2019 I went to watch a friend run the London Marathon and to say I was overwhelmed was an understatement. It was such an inspiring day that made us all so proud of those competing. Following this, I entered the Ballot and against the odds was lucky enough to get a place. The immediate feeling however was dread. 

I had a month to decide and pay my entry fee to secure my place. At this point I hadn’t told anyone because there was a large part of me that thought if if no one knows I can get away with not doing it. 

After much deliberation, on  the 4th November with one day to go I paid my entry fee and finally let on to my family and close friends what had happened.. you can imagine the reaction. 

Sadly, 2 days later on the 6th November 2019 a dear friend of the family, Peter Adams, passed away peacefully after a short battle with Cancer. It’s with this sad news that I knew I’d made the right choice to do the marathon and I knew I’d do it in memory of Peter. Our neighbours, Pam and Peter, have been great friends since we moved to Dorking in 2005 and have been like a second set of parents to Justin and I. Peter was the kindest, most gentle man with a dry northern humour that would have us all laughing. He taught me how to make a ‘real’ Gin & Tonic and could never be found too far away from the Cheese board after dinner. 

I have therefore chosen to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity a world-leading cancer centre. All funds go towards ensuring the nurses, doctors and research teams can provide the very best care and develop life-saving treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world. This charity means a lot to me, having had several close family members taken away too soon because of Cancer. Any donation will make a world of difference to all people affected by this deadly illness around the world. 

Any donations are hugely appreciated and the blood, sweat and tears (there have already been a few) will be worth it to raise money for such an amazing charity. 

I appreciate all your support and can’t wait to run with pride to honour a very special man. 

Love, Janine x