Many people will already know that I have raised money for Francis House Children's Hospice in the past. I have ran a 10K, half a marathon and abseiled off the Manchester United Football Stadium and raised a total of £4143.00.

Now I face my biggest challenge yet THE LONDON MARATHON!!

My aim is to raise a further £2500 and more for Francis House a Children's hospice which helps so many families through extremely difficult times.

My nephew Nick Smith was born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a muscle wasting disease. He spent many happy times at Francis House with children and young adults suffering from all sorts of life limiting conditions.

Nick died in May 2008 and so it will be 10 years since his death when I run the London Marathon in his memory. Not only did Nick have help from Francis House when he was alive, I saw first hand how they helped when he died. Without their help I don't honestly know how my family would have coped. They were there for my sister, brother in law and niece immediately and supported them with the funeral and in the months and years after. 

My sister has written what Francis House means to her and what it meant to Nick

"For Nick Francis House was one place that he could really be himself. Surrounded by friends and staff that loved and cared for him he was happy and safe. He had lots of fun in a space that enabled him to behave as a typical young person.

When Nick died we were heart broken, Francis House helped us as a family to mend and heal. They were with us every step of the way on a journey that supported us as we came to terms with our loss.

We will be forever grateful to the staff who make Francis House the wonderful place it is"

As you can see Francis House gives so much support and help that without donations etc they would not be able to carry on.

Please please give what you can to ensure that other families like my sisters carry on getting the most wonderful help and support they so need in both the happy and extremely sad times.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.