Hello Everyone,

I'm running the Nottingham 10k race on 10 March. Training going well so far! : )

I'm asking for your kind support on TWO fronts.

1. Raising money for Maggie's Centre in Nottingham. Over the last few years Maggie's in Nottingham and in Edinburgh have supported my family and friends through difficult times. There's more details about Maggie's below. The Maggie's Centres are all unique buildings, each one designed by a leading architect to create an environment of care and light for people living with cancer and their families: an antidote to clinical spaces.

2. Supporting arts and culture in Nottingham or wherever you live. The 10k race runs through the City Centre where arts and cultural organisations are reeling from the announcement of a 100% cut in funding from the local authority. I know this is happening elsewhere too. If we value our access to arts and culture, then we need to be active. Without the theatres galleries, cinemas, community arts and music venues, Nottingham would lose itself. So as well as, or instead of donating money to Maggie's make a pledge to engage with arts and culture this Spring. If you can afford to, pay for a ticket and if not, go to a fabulous free exhibition at a gallery or museum. My pledge is to make my first visit to the Nottingham Central Library and become a member : )

You could also support by coming along on the race day and cheering for the runners and for Nottingham. We could go for a coffee afterwards! It starts at 9am in Old Market Square.

Thanks for reading this.

Kate xx

Why Maggie's?

Maggies is for anyone affected by cancer, including family and friends. You can pop in for a cup of tea, find a peaceful spot in the garden or speak with their team of experts.

Their cancer support specialists offer a daily drop-in. You don't need an appointment or referral, you simply just come in. They offer practical and emotional support to people with any type of cancer, at any stage, free of charge.

Maggie's relies on the generosity of their supporters in the local community. They focus on the things that really make a difference, such as financial worries, help with managing stress and anxiety as well as side effects of treatment.

There are 24 centres in the UK, welcoming 100+ visitors into each centre every day.