On starting running with a "Couch to 5k" course 5 years ago, I never imagined that I would be planning on running the London Marathon! I am a big believer in fate and after being lucky enough to secure a ballot entry on my first attempt, I figured that I should take on this challenge to mark my 40^th year. I’ve been training hard and have followed a 16-week plan to prepare me for the 26.2 miles (42.2km) on Sunday October 3^rd. I have surprised myself already by what my body can do when I put my mind to it but I’m under no illusion that the marathon itself will be a huge challenge; I keep telling myself it's just one foot in front of the other! I’ve thought long and hard about asking for sponsorship and feel strongly that this opportunity to raise some funds for a good cause should not be wasted.

Ben Saunders was a Year 13 pupil at a local school in Bath who was sadly diagnosed with a rare form of cancer (sarcoma) in October 2019. Ben founded the Ben Saunders Foundation in August 2020 after being inspired by a trip that had paid for him and his friends to enjoy a visit to Center Parcs, Longleat. Tragically, just five weeks after that visit to Longleat, Ben lost his battle with cancer. Ben’s family are now carrying on with Ben’s work with the Foundation and they have recently purchased a holiday lodge in the Cotswolds and over 17 families have already benefited from a holiday there. Their aim is to now raise enough funds to purchase a second lodge, which will be offered to bereaved parents and siblings.

As I undertake this daunting challenge, I would be grateful for any sponsorship towards this incredibly worthwhile cause.