Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

Latest Training News  Wednesday 29 March.  I've done my last long training run. I ran 21 miles around Winchester (should have been 20, but took a wrong turn). I reckon I'm in with a chance on 23 April, so long as i behave myself over the next few weeks.

Why I am running to raise money for Amnesty International, and to raise awareness of the plight of Thet Win Aung who is imprisoned in Burma (Myanmar) with a 59 year sentence for peaceful demonstration. His conditions are harsh and his health has suffered as a result of hunger strikes, malaria and isolation from his family.  Why not visit www.amnesty.org.uk/teamamnesty to find out more about him and to send an E-card in his support?

Who I am a doctor (neuroradiologist) working at the Wessex Neurological Centre at Southampton. I have two small children (5 and 4) and, if you know me through them, you may know me better as Mary Cohen. I am a member of the Winchester Amnesty Group which has, for the past few years, been campaigning on behalf of another Burmese prisoner  Myo Min Zaw.

How  I and my running partner Dedj have been training for this marathon since January 2005. We found it very hard to get going, but we are now ahead of schedule. This is just as well, as Dedj has an injury at present, and we have had to slow down a bit. Dedj has got me this far by really getting to the nitty gritty. "So exactly when are we running this week?....OK, 6.30 am tomorrow.....I'll be there".  Dave, my husband has been great too, as you can't take small children with you on a 16 mile run, and it takes more than the odd half hour. Especially when you are as slow as me. Dedj and I have each managed a 5 hour marathon in the distant past. We would really love to come in under 4.30 this time, but this is quite ambitious for us. 

Please dig deep and sponsor me online.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Amnesty International UK Section Charitable Trust will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.