As many of you visiting this page will know, I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2½ years ago. I was lucky (apart from having developed an absurd superstition to say 'touch wood' and have to find a tree every time I say that). Despite having to go through a year and a half of aggressive treatment, including 5 months of chemo, 4 operations and some hilarious wigs, currently there is no evidence of disease, which is as close as I’ll ever get to being ‘in remission’. One of my friends from home was not so lucky. Sarah, or ‘Pixie’ as she was known by everyone, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in November 2009. While initially Pixie’s prognosis was good, it turned out that her cancer had spread, and there was nothing the doctors could do. Heartbreakingly, she died in June, aged 25.

I don’t know why I’m still alive and Pixie isn’t, it seems to me that in most cases cancer picks its victims pretty arbitrarily. But since I am still here what I can do is try and raise some money. Cancer is such a desperately debilitating and tragic disease, not just for those who are diagnosed but for the friends and family who support them – who I could not have got through my treatment without.

Our last fundraising effort was a fancy dress boat race for my hospital, the Royal Marsden. This effort is a little more mainstream and considering my running ability I expect a little more painful! I would be incredibly grateful for any contributions which will help towards the faster diagnosis and treatment (and, one can hope, cure) of this terrible disease.

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who has sponsored me - and tell everyone that I ran the 10k in 56minutes (no stopping!). It means so much to me to have raised so much, I can't thank everyone enough... 

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