What a difference a week makes. Last week there was hope – this week despair. On the advice of the doctor it is with the greatest disappointment that I have decided to to withdraw from the London Marathon.

As most of you know, I sustained an injury in the gruelling and demanding 30K race at Stamford in February. After a period of rest and a gradual return to running, interspersed with sports massages, physiotherapy sessions and doctors appointments, I am still no nearer to a recovery.

The injury did seem to be easing so I went for a jog with my running club and found the first 3 miles okay but then the pain returned and I had to cut short the run and head home. This has made me face up to the fact that I have no chance of completing the 26.2 mile course and the advice from the Flora London Marathon team is to withdraw if suffering from injury/illness. I did think about attempting to run the course anyway, but realised how selfish and foolish that would be.

I want to thank everyone who has sponsored me and given me support and encouragement!

Your Donation Counts and Will Make a Real Difference

Although Sue Ryder Care receives some of its income from statutory sources, they still have to raise around £13 million in voluntary income every year just to maintain their core services. That means that people like you play a crucial part in helping Sue Ryder Care develop new services and deliver care to those who need it most. Through your amazing generosity you have helped me raise over £600. In reality this is what your donation can help provide:

£30 A Bereavement Visit - Thorpe Hall Hospice offers care and support to those who have lost or will lose someone they love.

£50 Visit from a Liaison Sister - Before patients come to Thorpe Hall, a liaison sister may visit them at home or in hospital to assess their needs, answer their questions, and hopefully, reassure them about any fears they may have.

£100 Sponsor a Nurse - They have more than 50 specially trained nursing staff, nearly 2 per bed who deliver individualised care to patients and support their family.

£350 Sponsor a Day's Care for a Patient - The patients have complex and varied needs that require the expertise of nursing, medical and other staff and also require specialist equipment to ensure they maintain independence and are comfortable.

£500 Sponsor a Day’s Medical and Therapy Supplies - Would cover the daily cost of medical and therapy supplies to all of their hospices.

Thank you all so very much!!! You are all tremendous!

I've decided to take a few weeks off from blogging and concentrate on getting myself fit again. I've a 10K race lined up end of May for motivation.