Update...

We did it!

Thanks to everyone who sponsored me and it's not too late if you haven't! I did it in 02.30.24 which is a personal best (being my first one!) A lovely sunny day and even the hills didn't seem too bad. Aching a bit though...

Thanks for your support :)

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On 5th October I'm going to run a half-marathon (13.1 miles) around Newcastle...

Why?...

I've been working for Macmillan Cancer Support since November and have this far avoided actually participating in any of the running events (else who would be there to cheer along our runners?!) Whilst the supporting aspect is very important and shouting for a whole day is tiring and very hard work (seriously, come and try it) I have decided that to better understand what the training process involves for our Team Macmillan runners and to raise some money for this important cause I'd better get my trainers on and do some running!

(Well for that reason and because of a bet agreeing to run if our 2008 London Marathon team topped 800 runners- it did- which is fab and is going to raise loads for Macmillan- but now means I have to run this one!)

Most importantly I, unfortunately like most people, have seen personally the devastating effect that cancer has when my Nanna was diagnosed early this year. It was too late for her to have treatment and she hated hospitals anyway but thanks to the nurses who cared for her she was able to stay at home and die in peace where she felt most comfortable, with a familiar view out the window and family nearby.

So what exactly do Macmillan do?...

We are a source of support, helping with all the things that people affected by cancer want and need. It’s not only patients who live with cancer, so we also help carers, families and communities. We guide people through the system, supporting them every step of the way. We fund nurses and other specialist health care professionals and build cancer care centres. But we give so much more than medical help.

People need practical support at home, so we provide anything from some precious time off for a carer, to a lift to hospital. People need emotional support, so we listen, advise and share information though our CancerLine, website, support groups and trained professionals. People need financial help to cope with the extra costs cancer can bring, so we give benefits advice, and grants for anything from heating bills to travel costs. Together we listen, we learn, we act to help people live with cancer.

Macmillan wants to be able to help everyone living with cancer by 2010 so please help us achieve that by sponsoring me now!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Macmillan Cancer Support gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page and if you have any questions about Macmillan, donating or you want to join Team Macmillan for a running, hiking or biking event then please get in touch!