Hello and thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

The Challenge:

I have been lucky enough to secure a place on the prestigious Berlin Marathon on its 50th anniversary at the end of September this year. However, if that wasn't punishment enough, I have also signed up to the Lisbon marathon one week later! Within the space of 8 days I am due to be running 84km for these two races, which seems like an unimaginable distance right now. It is safe to say, I then plan to do very little except relax in the (hopefully) sunny Portuguese capital, whilst eating my weight in Pasteis de Nata!

Running this distance is a big personal challenge for me. Although I have run half marathons before, in the last few years events meant that I haven't been able to be so active. So when I started my training in January 2024, my current level of fitness was only being able to walk / run 5km around the local park. Therefore, all donations will keep me motivated through this summer of running to build up my fitness and distance to be able to run two marathons.

Thank you for anything you are able to give to help raise funds and awareness of breast cancer, secondary spread and the important research that needs to be continued to keep increasing survival rates from this horrible disease.

The Charity:

I am raising money for the Against Breast Cancer, a charity supporting the really important research into secondary spread of breast cancer, which is the main cause of breast cancer related deaths. You can read more about the charity, their research and secondary spread at the links below.

Did you know that currently 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer? One of the most important things you can do for yourself or women in your life is ensure you check yourself regularly and go straight to the GP if you notice anything unusual. Early detection is SO important in a cancer diagnosis, that you owe it to your family, friends and particularly yourself to make sure you regularly check.

The Research:

Against Breast Cancer's research focusses on the three main areas: prevention, detection and therapies.

Prevention: how diet and lifestyle may increase or reduce your risk of developing secondary breast cancer, providing sound, evidence-based advice relevant to a UK population.

Detection: how to design better tools for earlier diagnosis of secondary breast cancer to increase survival rates.

Therapies: how the body’s natural defences could be harnessed to design more effective treatments and ultimately a vaccine against breast cancer.

The Links:

Against Breast Cancer (ABC): https://www.againstbreastcancer.org.uk/

ABC Research: https://www.againstbreastcancer.org.uk/our-research

Secondary Spread: https://www.againstbreastcancer.org.uk/about-us/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-facts-statistics#secondary

Self-Checking (Ireland): https://www.cancer.ie/cancer-information-and-support/cancer-types/breast-cancer/how-to-check-your-breasts

Self-Checking (UK): https://www.england.nhs.uk/south/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2017/03/159-Keep-Yourself-Healthy-A-Guide-To-Examining-Your-Breasts_Easy-Read.pdf

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.