Hello friends, family and strangers!
Firstly, I've never blogged before so want to apologise in advance for any technological gaffs that befall me! Secondly, I have never run a marathon before so 2010-2011 is a year of firsts for me!
As some of you will already know, I am running the London Marathon on April 17th 2011 for Help the Hospices. Last year I ran a half marathon and swore than I would never be able to, or wish to, run a full marathon. Well here I am 1 year on and starting my training for the full 26 miles and 385 yards! I've always wanted to write a blog but didnt have anything interesting enough to write about...until now! I plan to regale you with tales of sweat and sorrow as I commence my 6 months of preparation.
I am thrilled to have a place on the London Marathon as with every year that passes the places are increasingly hard to get hold of. Most of my friends who applied have not got a place so I feel especially lucky and this in itself is a real motivation. But of course my main motivation will be the amazing charity that I am running for. Help the Hospices is a cause close to my heart for a number of reasons. My grandfather, Patrick Newel, was a fundraising consultant for Help the Hospices and more specifically for the Duchess of Norfolk, founder and president of the charity. He eventually died at the Princess Alice Hospice in 1992. My mum, Alison, also works at the Shooting Star Children's Hospice who provide amazing care for children with life-limiting conditions and support their families through impossibly difficult times. Finally, Jacko's father (Jacko being the boyfriend for those of you who don't know me so well) is the Chief Executive of St Richard's Hospice in Worcestershire, another extraordinary place which transforms people's lives when they need it most.
Of course this blog is not entirely without alterior motive and I will be tapping you for cash at some point but before I do I want to earn my sponsorship and plan to use this blog to provide you with entertaining (hopefully!) anecdotes of my foray into the world of running as well as trying to tell you a little bit more about the amazing work that the hospices do.
Wish me luck! xxx
