I am a walker not a runner and have walked many miles pushing a double buggy with up to three children in it and two dogs. I have never been a serious runner and doubted I could ever run a mile.

However, my dear father in law died of a brain tumour a year ago. His death was unexpected and shattering. It tore our family apart. To see someone you love die of such a horrific illness will never leave me. I needed to do something in memory of him and because I always love a challenge the London Marathon seemed to fill both of those needs.

Brain Tumour UK is an inspiration. It is not a huge charity with pots of money but small and beautifully proportioned and run on a shoestring by a team of fantastically dedicated staff. It seemed fitting to run for them and they kindly offered me a place on the basis that I would try and raise £4,000 for them - another challenge I have grasped with both hands and am determined to fulfil. 

I have started running in earnest and I am loving it. I run with Graham in my thoughts. I run mostly off road on the hills and as Graham was a farmer who loved the countryside it seems very fitting. Graham had a wicked sense of humour and as I am puffing up the hills I picture him making some wisecrack and on I go with a smile on my face! If ever I think it all feels too tough I think of Graham before his illness when he was such a grafter, such a doer, and during his illness when he fought and fought against the terrible tumour in his head and I think "Graham would have carried on, and so I do."

So that is my story. I am going to run the London Marathon 2009 in memory of Graham Goodridge and in aid of Brain Tumour UK.

If  you could find it in your hearts to sponsor me and in so doing help Brain Tumour UK raise much needed funds I would be extremely grateful.

Thank you so much for visiting my fundraising page.