Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

On 26th April this year I will be taking part in the biggest challenge of my life - running 26.2 miles in the London Marathon in aid of the Arthritis Research Campaign (arc).  I have always wanted to run the marathon after years of watching it on TV but, as the furthest I normally run is 15 minutes at the dreaded gym, the coming months are going to be a challenge to say the least!  So far though I have to say I am enjoying the training, despite the arctic conditions!

Quick update! Just under 6 weeks to go to the Big Day and I completed my first half marathon at Silverstone yesterday.  It was hard going but I completed it in 2 hrs 20mins and I beat the guy in the rhino suit which was a mental boost! It has really hit home how long the marathon is going to be though as the thought of doing double the distance is quite intimidating.  I shall plod on though and thank you so much to everyone for all their support so far - it is keeping me going!

Five days to go!!! Can't believe it is nearly here after all this training. Feeling nervous but excited and a bit stressed at an ankle injury I have picked up which has meant I have not been able to run for the past 10 days or so - fingers crossed for the big day! It should be a sunny one this year so maybe I'll pick up a tan! Thanks again for everyone's support and comments - it means a lot. Enjoy watching the race! 

We did it!! The marathon was over two weeks ago now now but I just wanted to add a personal message to everyone who supported me throughout the training and on the day. In particular to my lovely husband Matt and my parents who looked after the girls on the day and cheered me on. When I saw them all at about 21 miles it made such a difference. Also Marianne who I saw at about 22 miles and my brother Rob at 23 miles - it is amazing you all came to cheer me on and it made a huge difference to how I felt. Also huge thanks to my running partner Mags - we crossed the line together and I couldn't have done it without her. It is one of those never-to-forget experiences and one I would not repeat but to anyone thinking of doing it one day - go for it!!

Thanks again xxx

Why arc?

I've seen first hand how crippling arthritis can be.  My grandmother was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 40 and she lived with it for 36 years.  Despite her daily and often intense suffering I never heard her complain and I have to say that her incredible bravery is my motivation.

At present there is no cure for arthritis and the cocktail of drugs many sufferers take only slows down the progression of the disease and deals with management of the pain.  Arthritis affects both young and old and although it damages so many lives it receives relatively little publicity. Over 9 million people in the UK suffer from it so the chances are you will know some one with arthritis, I'm running the London Marathon for them.  Dedicate your donation to them.  arc receives no Government funding and relies on the generosity of the general public to fund their work - the London Marathon is a vital source of income to them.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Arthritis Research Campaign 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.

Please sponsor me!

Thanks xx