Dear Friends and Family,

2011 is a big year for me, as I will be turning 40 and running the London Marathon.  Yes, as the New Year begins I have finally been offered a place in the London Marathon. Fantastic news!

I am so pleased, as I have been applying for the last two years.  So this is it, on the 17^th April 2011, I will run the London Marathon alongside thousands of others.  I managed to secure a place via Oliver’s contacts at the World Wildlife Fund.

So now to the reason why I am writing to you all. Yes you guessed it; I need money and lots of it. I need to raise £2,000 for Bees for Development Trust’.  Registered charity number 1078803

Bees ensure the maintenance of biodiversity and enable people to improve their livelihoods. Bees for Development Trust ensures beekeepers working in poor countries have access to the information and advice they need. For example, how to market honey, manage indigenous bees sustainably, or plant trees that are useful for bees.

I only have 3 months until the big day so as you can image I am feeling very daunted, not only by the fact that I need to be able to run 26.2 miles, but also by the fact I need to raise a whopping £2,000.

My family are very excited and my niece’s Ellie and Rosie are already fund raising for me, so far they have raised a whole £1.62 by selling cakes at their local school. Only another £1,998.38 to go! My family are also planning to come and watch the big race in London for the weekend. I have told them they may need to find a good museum to kill 6 hours before I reach the finish line. 

As mentioned I am also turning 40 this year in October. I am looking forward to celebrating with a big party! I think 2011 is going to be a busy year for me.

I don’t want to be presumptuous, but if you are planning to buy me a 40^th birthday present, please instead, I would really like you to donate to my Marathon run.  I would really appreciate this.

A big thank you for your support. I need it!!! I hope 2011 is a good year for you all.

Love to you all Traci X

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