It has always been an ambition of mine to run the London Marathon when I turned 21. However, due to a knee injury, I sadly had to withdraw from the London Marathon 2015 last minute. It was a very tough decision, especially given how much training I had done and above all, how many extremely generous donations I received. However, I am sure that it was the right decision and I am now more determined than ever to finally get a marathon under my belt. Laureus Sport for Good Foundation has kindly transferred my Golden Bond place, and, as a result, the London Marathon 2016 beckons.

Whilst I achieved the majority of my fundraising last year, I have extended my JustGiving page and hope to use this extra year to supercede my £50,000 target. I have an extremely strong belief in the charity and the invaluable work they do and this year has made me even more aware of how sport can add value to so many children's lives.

The Foundation’s goal is to help young people overcome the limitations imposed by challenging social issues including poverty, homelessness, war, violence, drug abuse, discrimination and AIDS, through the power of sport. Having worked closely with the charity for the last 18 months, I feel even more passionate about their mission and can assure you that your donation is going to a fabulous organisation. 

Running the London Marathon will be a huge challenge for me, both physically and mentally, but I am determined to rise to the challenge and also capitalise on the opportunity it holds in raising a huge amount of money for an extremely worthy cause. Having reached 18 miles in training last year, I feel confident that I can get there again, and with a (partially!) recovered knee, I very much hope that 2016 will be the year that I get 26.2 miles under my belt.

The charity and myself are extremely grateful for any donations – it will provide huge mental strength when I hit that dreaded wall and my legs tell me no more as well as touching the lives of hundreds of children both in London and Rio.

If you would like to find out more about my efforts and my links with London and Rio, please visit my website:

http://lucyforlaureus.wix.com/londonmarathon

Thank you for your support - I promise I will hold up my end of the bargain this year and actually do the marathon!

Lucy