Having said that I would never run a marathon (I do have very
short legs), something back in October made me change my mind. Let me explain... 

For many reasons, 2015 was a year of change for me. A year of doing things I hadn't done before and of setting myself bigger and more challenging goals. After all they do say that life begins at the end of your comfort zone, right? So when I received an email inviting me to join Team Coe and take part in the London Marathon I thought why not; a challenge that will take me totally out of my comfort zone both mentally and physically, and a challenge that will make a difference to, I hope, millions of other people too. 

For those who don't know, Seb Coe is my Chairman at work. A great leader and an inspirational fund raiser for many charities supported by his Trust, the Sebastian Coe Charitable Foundation. 

This year, Seb's Foundation is supporting Cancer Research UK with funds specifically going towards the Francis Crick Institute; a ground-breaking research centre opening in Autumn 2016. The Crick will be a landmark in biomedical research where leading scientists will be looking for new ways to diagnose, prevent and treat cancer plus other diseases that cause over 36 million deaths each year - including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. 

All three of these diseases have touched my life and the lives of those I love dearly: 

My darling friend Sarah (known as Comps to many of us) tragically lost her sister, Katie, to cervical cancer aged 33 - the same age as I was when I signed up to do this. Although I didn't know Katie well, I saw how the evil disease devastated Comps and her family and I witnessed the pain, confusion, hope and then desperation over the 18 months of Katie's treatment and stoic fight. 

My wonderful Grandmother (fondly described as Hyacinth Bucket - or should that be 'Bouquet') was diagnosed with early stages of Alzheimer's disease many years ago. Over the past years, I have witnessed a slow and hugely upsetting decline in her mental health and she now lives in a care home with no recognition of me or the other members of my family. Trapped within her own body, the cruel disease has ravished her mind and spirit and left behind the shell of someone I don't know and who doesn't know us. 

My beautiful, creative, Italian Aunt Wiz has been living with Parkinson's disease for more than ten years. From leading a wonderfully active and outdoors life in the hills of Verona, Wiz is now sustained by her love of and amazing ability to paint. 

With your support, we can advance the technologies to beat these cruel and devastating diseases. Running the marathon seems so trivial when compared to what so many people have to deal with on a daily basis. I feel it's the least I can try and do. 

Many thanks for visiting this page, reading my story and (I hope, nudge nudge) giving generously. 

Wish me luck!

Babs x