Thanks to your generosity I have exceeded the fundraising target I set myself for my Macmillan centenary challenge. I am delighted to report that my Macmillan leaving do raised £250.85 which took my total over the target figure. But I intend to carry on to the end of the year to raise yet more funds for people affected by cancer.

Following recovery from a near-fatal skiing accident, in 2010 I embarked on a personal challenge to run 200 miles over 20 running races including the London Marathon and the Great North Run. All was going swimmingly - or runningly - until October, and then the day of my 15th event, my husband Andrew had a nasty accident falling off a ladder. Thereafter followed 3 months of bad luck for the family and, to cut a long story short, I had to put my running challenge on hold after the Stroud Half in October, 15 events and 168 miles. So I am hoping that my sponsors will forgive me for this halt in the challenge, and, to make up for it, I took the decision to extend the challenge to include 100 miles in race events to celebrate Macmillan's centenary year. This has included my second London Marathon on 17th April and and to date this year I have also completed the Hereford 10K, the Bath and Forest of Dean Half Marathons, the Crowle 10K, the Malvern Spring Run, the BUPA London 10K and the Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon. I plan to finish in muddy style with the Eastnor Mudrunner. Last year I raised over £3,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support thanks to everybody's generosity. I turned my hair green for the Marathon and sought £2 from strangers to do so.

This year my marathon effort was dedicated to Nigel, Julie and Kate - three very special people who have been supported by Macmillan and who have been so thoroughly inspirational to me in the way in which they deal with whatever life throws them.

But you don't really need me to tell you what a brilliant charity Macmillan Cancer Support is. So many of us, our families and friends, mine included, are affected by cancer and Macmillan is there for us all to provide medical, practical, financial and emotional support.

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Any donation of any size, will help me with my challenge, and ultimately helps people affected by cancer. JustGiving accepts donations from £2 up. I am most grateful for any support you can give.

Thank you so much,

Grouty x