Why I'm Supporting The Stroke Association

I'm running the Sussex Marathon on 3 April 2011 for my mum.

Last year, she suffered a TIA, a Transient Ischaemic Attack or mini-stroke. It was quite a scary thing, a fleeting moment that left her confused, and worried us all. It took a few months and many tests before doctors could even positively confirm what happened, but it's a relief that it wasn't more serious and that she is feeling better.

I am raising money for The Stroke Association.

In 2009/10 The Stroke Association spent approximately £2.6 million on a wide range of vital research covering stroke prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, stroke support and service provision. The Stroke Association also supports training for doctors to specialise in stroke care, and training for nurses and therapists to pursue careers in stroke research.

The Association's ability to support such research depends entirely on its fundraising success, including legacy donations. Such gifts are essential to enable them to find out more about what causes stroke, how to prevent and treat stroke, and to provide services for the hundreds of thousands of people whose lives are shattered by stroke each year.

I've only set myself a small target (£500), but every penny The Stroke Association receive in donations is crucial. Please visit my justgiving page and donate what you can.

Thank you.

Estimated final Sussex Marathon Route

Getting closer...

The day is nearly upon me. I've been trying to get as much training in as possible, which has not been easy with a new job and trips to Scotland and Sussex to squeeze in, but I've somehow managed it. Today's long run was 20 miles, which brings me up the mileage I needed to be ready for the Marathon, which is now only 2 weeks away. It's an exciting time, to say the least, but I will confess that I am also more than a little bit scared. When I posted the Estimated Provisional Course a little while ago, I had a look at the course, and didn't think it seemed that bad. However, I was down in Sussex the week before last, and took the opportunity to drive around part of the course...and it scared the life out of me. It seemed to be 26 miles of constant steep uphills and downhills, and this meant seriously downgrading my expectations; I was now hoping to complete the course, rather than aim for a particular time.


In the last few days, however, there have been a couple of small boosts to my morale, the first being the Final Course Map being posted online, which has reduced the scale of the course somewhat, and perhaps cut it down to more manageable levels (for example, the final 3k are no longer a continuous uphill, rising sharply for the final few metres)! I feel a little more positive as a result, to say the least. The second boost has been receiving my fundraising pack from my chosen charity, The Stroke Association. They have sent me sponsorship forms and a natty running vest, which I shall be pinning to the back of my Valley Striders vest.


Most importantly now, as the date draws ever closer, I am looking for your help. Please donate some money to help a great cause at www.justgiving.com/mhmarathon2011 (as I write the total stands at just £20), and please send me tweets of encouragement to get me through the next 2 weeks (#mhmarathon2011).

Right now, I need all the help I can get!