Now, you’ll all think I’m mad, especially given the state of my health, but I’ve decided to take on the 2.6 challenge!

I’m aiming to - no I’m going to -  complete a marathon distance of 26.2 miles between my fourth and fifth chemo cycles.  I had my fourth cycle on 23 April, and my fifth cycle will be 21 days after that.  I’m doing this crazy thing to raise some funds for the RNIB, which was my chosen London Marathon charity.

This will be a HUGE physical and mental challenge for me, especially as my chemo makes me feel so unwell and exhausted afterwards.  But I’m determined to do it and here’s why.

On Sunday, 26 April 2020 I should have been running the London Marathon for the second time (only two years after starting running). This year I chose to raise money for the RNIB, being visually impaired this is a cause very close to my heart.

Sadly, as most of you know, at the beginning of the year I was struck down with the Big C and plans to run the marathon were put on hold so that I could pour all of my energy into fighting the bugger with all my might..

THEN along came another Big C in the form of the Corona Virus. And with that came lockdown, loneliness, fear and isolation. 

It was hard enough facing all of the challenges that cancer brings, including that overriding fear of of facing my own mortality, without being isolated, but being isolated made it so much worse.

I don’t have the option of going out round the block for a run or walk. Not even with my hubby. We both have to stay inside to protect me. 

I can’t tell you how much of an impact this has had on my mental health.  Not being able to see my running buddies, guides and friends - it’s nearly floored me. 

Walking and occasionally running on the mill, and doing virtual challenges, either on my own or with friends and guides, has literally been a life saver. It’s motivated me to keep going and as stay strong as I possibly can.

There are days, many of them, where I literally cry and don’t want to get out of bed.  But, I put on a brave face, and a friend recently reminded me that it’s OK to not feel strong all of the time.  That said just having that focus of a bit of company on my better days, all be it at the end of a video call, really does make all the difference.

And so, taking on this 2.6 challenge is least I can do. It would mean the world to me if you could pledge a few pennies or pounds. And, if you fancy doing some of it with me the, I’d be more than happy to have your company.

I know many other visually impaired people who also have lost the ability to get out and run with the their guides and I know they are feeling alone and isolated. 

The RNIB are doing amazing work to ensure that, during this incredibly challenging time, people have the help and support they need! But they need our help to continue that work. So please help if you can. Thank you!

Save the UK's CharitiesGeneral fundraising has been hit very hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of fundraising events have been cancelled and many charities, particularly smaller ones, are struggling to maintain services because of this huge reduction in income.This impacts all sectors of society from children to the elderly as well as the vital work in areas such as palliative care, serious diseases, mental health, housing support, food supplies and countless others that charities support.