Dearest Friends and Family, 

As my 40th year approaches I thought I'd go and do something mad but meaningful and run the London Marathon for the 3rd time ! I've been training extremely hard, pounding the roads and even fields of Hertfordshire listening to my show tunes ! I'm pleased to say I still even get a odd toot from a builder's van !

I am extremely pleased to be running this year in support of The Gaucher's Association (www.gaucher.org.uk). Gaucher's disease is an extremely rare but serious inherited genetic disorder. Surprisingly, this disease has affected two lovely friends of mine - so raising funds for this charity really means a lot to me.

There are three types of Gaucher disease. The most common forms of Gaucher disease (Type 1). This affects 1 in 100,000 of the general population but 1 in 850 people of Jewish (Ashkenazi) descent, although not all those who inherit the mutated genes for this disorder will show symptoms. Complications of the disease can lead to serious spleen and liver damage, blood clotting difficulties and bone deterioration.

Type 2 and Type 3 Gaucher's disease, neurological symptoms occur which include an eye movement disorder, fits, loss of skills and a central auditory processing disorder. Children with Type 2 Gaucher's sadly die within one or two years of birth.

I realise that many of you receive charity requests but I would extremely grateful if you could consider supporting me in rising money for the Gaucher's Association.

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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.