1. If you are being chased
2. If there is food
3. If it is for charity
It's been one whole year (already!) since I last posted , and this also signals the last time I did something 1. remotely energetic, 2. remotely charitable.*
So this May, I have managed to stumble across a guaranteed spot in the London Marathon 2018, and I will be raising a minimum of £2,500 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. This blog shall explain a little bit more of my motivation.
1. Why the Marathon?
I've completed a half marathon, I ran 100 miles in May 2016... Why on earth would I try to run 26 miles all in one go around London on a Sunday morning in April?
Every year see posts from friends about their marathon running achievements, how the event has profoundly affected their lives, and the thousands of pounds raised for wonderful and important charities. My dad and my sister have both completed it, and at the age of 21 I put it on my "Before I'm 30" bucket list.
Despite being terrified of the last minute, I do tend to trust my instincts and will make a spontaneous decision if I feel its right. It worked when we got a pug so when I got the email from MNDA offering me the place, I thought.... ¡¿Por qué no?!
I will be 28 on the 22nd April 2018 so the London Marathon will be a big fat tick in the "life goals" box.
I don't have much else on my list tbh.
2. Why the MND Association?
Motor Neurone disease is without a doubt the cruelest disease known to man. There is no rhyme nor reason, no cure, and it robs it's victims of their mobility, speech, ability to eat, and eventually their life, in a slow and painful way.
As some of you may know, my Uncle was diagnosed with this horrific illness around a year ago. Thankfully at the moment he is still able to play the piano (he is a terrific pianist) and cuddle his beautiful grandson.
They live far away from us so I feel utterly helpless in being able to support my family through this horrible time, but what I can do is run and raise money and help the group that have already been a huge support for my Uncle and his family.
To find out more about the MNDA please see their website: https://www.mndassociation.org/
3. Why so much money?
I have been lucky enough to secure a Golden Bond Charity place with the Motor Neurone Disease Association. This means I do not have to enter the public ballot and I am guaranteed a place, and for this privilege I promise to raise a grand total of £2,500.
The money I raise also covers the cost to the charity of securing Golden Bond places, a total of £330. Everything else I raise goes directly to MNDA.
As well as regular donations I plan to put on various events, bake cakes and generally generate some fun opportunities for you to join in and donate money whilst also getting something in return.
Its a big target and myself, my family and anyone affected by Motor Neurone Disease value your support.
https://www.justgiving.com/Jefferstow-Runs-The-Marathon
Over the next 12 months I will be resurrecting my Gym Blog in order to provide witty updates as to my training schedule and to continually beg for money and advertise my own little fund raising events as well. Part one will involved Body Balance and foam rollers. Get excited.
Here is my new best friend, my new (colour coded) Gym Schedule. Wish me luck. Prepare to be in awe. Donate. And don't forget to add Gift Aid.
Much Love
Emma xx
*Not entirely true. I did a 13 mile hike that was a 16 mile hike for my company's worthy charity, the MTV Staying Alive Foundation in September. It was sweaty.
