So, I’ve got this little thing that I’m doing – I’m running 26.2 miles (no biggy!!) as I take on the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon in York on Sunday 20 October 2013.

I’m doing this for two reasons; firstly, I want to have completed a marathon before I get plunged into the realms of being a thirty-something next May and secondly, and more importantly because I want to do something in memory of my Ma and Pa.

On 24 July 2009, I lost my best friend – my Mum. Her 11-month battle with Bowel Cancer had defeated her but man, did she put up a bloody good fight. She’d always been feisty and determined but she was the bravest, most courageous person I had ever known during her final few months. I know everyone says this about their Mums, but she really was amazing and I don’t think I’d be the person I am today if it wasn’t for her!

Six weeks after that horrendous day, my Dad passed away. I’ll never be able to explain just how hard that was so I won’t bother trying to on here. But safe to say, it’s still painful to think about them even now and I miss them both so much, it physically hurts.

I just want to give a mention to my Grandad Brookes and Grandma Barthorpe – I’m doing this for them too and I they are always in my thoughts!

Anyway, enough of the doom and gloom now (it’s almost turning into an X-Factor-style sob story!!); I want to be able to achieve something amazing for my amazing family. There’s no doubt about it I’ve been giving them some laughs up there as I’ve trained for this bad boy but I have actually surprised myself at how far I’ve come since I started running at the beginning of this year, so, providing there are no injuries, I’m well on target for getting across that finish line.

So, please dig deep and help me raise some cash so that another family doesn’t have to go through the hell that we’ve had to endure over the last four years. It doesn’t matter how big or small your donation is, I’ll be eternally grateful for your support, so, in advance – I want to say a big, fat, mahoosive THANK YOU!!!

Sarah xxx