I am running the Brighton Marathon, all 26.2 miles of it - 
including the hills - to raise money for Rowans Silver Jubilee Appeal. 

So why am I doing this ?

Every day I am lucky to meet the most amazing and inspiring people through working at Rowans Hospice. Through my role gathering the stories of staff, patients, families, carers, volunteers and fundraisers, for the Silver Jubilee Appeal, I am often blown away by people’s selflessness, determination, generosity and love. 

However I have had a well-argued excuse of why I couldn't undertake any major fundraising project or challenge – “I am a working mum, juggling home and multitude of after school activities of three boys!” That was until I read the words Christine Banerjee sent me, for an article I was putting together about the founding of the Hospice. 

Christine was one of the nurses from Somers Town Health Centre who founded the campaign for a local hospice in 1972 wrote:

‘It was difficult to get anyone to give. We all worked full-time, had families and homes to run, yet found time every day for fundraising activities and generating publicity for a local hospice for our local community."

On reading these words, my excuse broke down.  I knew I had to pledge to do one thing for the Silver Jubilee Appeal. Something that would challenge me. So I have taken on the challenge of running the Brighton Marathon.

Yes I enjoy running. I did a marathon over 5 years ago, whilst on maternity leave, as my running buggy made it easy to find the time to train. Since then I enjoy the odd short run during the week and perhaps the occasional longer run at the weekend. However I don’t like the having to, especially during the winter and especially knowing I have to take in some hills to prepare me for Brighton’s course.

I would really appreciate your donation, even if it is one pound. It will help to motivate me during these dark cold nights, knowing that I am doing my small part to help renovate the hospice so it is fit for the future. I want to help to continue the legacy and honour the hard work of Christine and all her amazing colleagues, who knew how important hospice care was and worked tirelessly to made sure that this care was made available to every person in our community facing life-limiting illnesses.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and donating to this worthwhile community cause.