My story....

16 years ago I started my fundraising career and I have always been inspired by the flagship fundraiser of the year, the London Marathon! It’s been an ambition of mine to run it one day. My birthday nearly always falls on the weekend thousands of people undertake it. It was my plan to run it before I turn't 30 but I turn't 40 in 2024 and I still hadn't made the dream a reality. So, for my 41st I plan to be celebrating in a very different way... having completed my first marathon! :-)

Why this will be a challenge for me?

Running has always been something that I have enjoyed since I used to run cross country at school, but I am by no means a Mo Farrah! 15 years ago I ran my first half marathon in 2 hours 23 minutes having never run further than 4 miles 3 times the week before I did it. I was told this was a good time. My husband Terry ran with me and somehow got me to the finish line. I had blisters in places I never believed possible and I couldn't walk for a week after. I promise to train for this run. I have some miles to go to get to London Marathon distance. It will be a challenge for sure!! But, what I am certain of... in life you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it. And for anyone who knows me, I am definitely very driven and once I put my mind to something I am going to do it!! And I have a very personal motivation as to why...

Why run it for Rays of Sunshine?

This is where it becomes more than just a personal feat to run a Marathon. On 10 December 2014 I gave birth to our precious baby girl born sleeping, who we named Violet. In that moment I held her peacefully in my arms and I still feel the pain today as I did then. I wish to run this Marathon in her memory, and for all the brave and deserving children who Rays of Sunshine brighten's the lives of.

When you are told the heartbreaking news your child has a life limiting or threatening illness, it’s truly unimaginable and that's the reality for the parents of over 86,000 children in the UK. To loose a child changes you forever, leaving behind a footprint in their memory.

Rays of Sunshine are the constant positive in a seriously ill child's life. They grant their most magical wish and provide ongoing activities, events and support.

I cant give Violet those positive experiences and I didn't get to make those precious memories with Violet, but I can (and so can you) make a difference to many other young lives. We cant change their prognosis but we can be the sunshine in their lives when every moment counts.

It would mean so much to me if you can give generously so that every child can experience the happiness they deserve and put their illness on hold, even if it is just for one day.

https://raysofsunshine.org.uk/the-charity/

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.