Charity
We exist to help improve the lives of people affected by cancer, both those living with cancer and also their families and carers. Our primary focus is to reach and improve the lives of everyone living with cancer.
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Alison's little stroll around London....
Hello everyone.
Well, I did it!! It was slow, it was steady and I saved enough to run across the finish line with my two running partners. Every step of the way was affirmation of my having come through the worst year of my life and proof of the wonderful work of the NHS and the power of support from my family and friends. The medal they hung around my neck (and which I now carry everywhere with me, not being one to ignore an opportunity to show off!) means as much to me as my very first London Marathon medal, if not more! Thank you for supporting me along the way.
Many of you will know that 2011 was somewhat challenging for me. I was diagnosed with a rare form of a rare cancer, in the salivary gland, and underwent fairly radical surgery to take out the salivary gland and various infected lymph nodes. This was followed by extensive radiotherapy and there is the certainty of more surgery ahead to address the facial paralysis resulting from the original cancer surgery (I did say it had been challenging!). From the day I got my diagnosis, Macmillan Cancer Support has been there to support me when I need them, whether at the end of a phone call or sitting in meetings with the consultant and answering questions afterwards. I am lucky that I have a wonderful support network of family and friends, but the support provided by Macmillan has been really helpful and, for some people, this may be the only support network they have, so it is vital that they can continue their work. Many of you may have had experience of their support, either directly or through friends or relatives, so you will appreciate what a difference they make.
I have been lucky enough to get a place in the 2012 Virgin London Marathon. I've been a runner for some years and have done the London Marathon several times before. This time, I don't know whether I will run all of it, some of it, or none of it but I do know one thing: I WILL get round those 26.2 miles. I will get round for several reasons: firstly, this is a return to "normal" activity for me, secondly, it's blowing a great big fat raspberry at the evilness that is cancer, thirdly, it's testament to the wonderful work of the NHS that I can do it and fourthly, it's to raise funds so that Macmillan can carry on doing its incredibly valuable work.
Through Virgin Money Giving, you can sponsor me and donations will be quickly processed and passed to charities. Virgin Money Giving is a not for profit organisation and will claim gift aid on a charity's behalf where the donor is eligible for this. I know times are hard, but every little really will help. I really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations.
Do please visit my blog to find out more about what's been going on and why doing this marathon is so important to me- http://sweetestthing-ali.blogspot.com
Oh, and for the avoidance of doubt, the photo on this page is pre-surgery - I don't look like that now but haven't yet summoned up the courage to share my new face quite so publicly. Give me time.....
Thank you.
Recent donors
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mark g £15.00 (+ £3.75 giftaid) 06.06.12 well done |
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Linda McDougall £30.00 (+ £7.50 giftaid) 06.05.12 Well done, Alison! Amazing achievement. Lots of love from the McDougall family. |
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Gary £50.00 (+ £12.50 giftaid) 28.04.12 Well done, you. Absolutely amazing. |
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Simon Maddocks £20.00 (+ £5.00 giftaid) 27.04.12 Well done Alison - A great achievement. |
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Betty & John £50.00 (+ £12.50 giftaid) 25.04.12 Well done Alison ......we were watching for you trying to spot you in the crowd |
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Nichola. £26.20 (+ £6.55 giftaid) 23.04.12 Dear Alison, You are an example to us all. Well done, you are officially on my list of favourite heroines. Lots of love, Nichola. xxx |
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Jim & Sue £100.00 22.04.12 Well done! |
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Kirsten £50.00 (+ £12.50 giftaid) 22.04.12 Hope you had a great day (well, not too painful...!)! XX |
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Paul Gallagher £30.00 (+ £7.50 giftaid) 22.04.12 Well done Ali, very proud of you. Best, Paul |
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Jane Cika £50.00 (+ £12.50 giftaid) 22.04.12 |
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Lynne £10.00 (+ £2.50 giftaid) 22.04.12 Go to it girl ! |
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Claire Cunnington £20.00 (+ £5.00 giftaid) 21.04.12 Good luck Alison -if anyone can do it you can, truly inspirational! |
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Rachel Strutton £20.00 (+ £5.00 giftaid) 21.04.12 Good luck tomorrow - we will look out for you from the comfort of our sofa! You are amazing!Love from all the Struttons xxx |
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Sis Bad Habit ;-) £10.00 (+ £2.50 giftaid) 21.04.12 We'll see you at 17 my lovely and we'll have the hugs, kisses and fizz waiting xxx |
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Steve Daniels £50.00 (+ £12.50 giftaid) 21.04.12 Good luck come rain or shine!x |
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Gillymac £10.00 (+ £2.50 giftaid) 21.04.12 Good luck for tomorrow! |
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Andrew B £20.00 (+ £5.00 giftaid) 20.04.12 Go for it Alison it great that your up to giving it another go so soon! good luck |
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Sally and Pete £50.00 (+ £12.50 giftaid) 20.04.12 Go for it Alison - you are totally amazing! |
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Anonymous £25.00 (+ £6.25 giftaid) 20.04.12 |
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Bex Summerfield £3.00 19.04.12 Good luck with the Marathon :) |
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Tara Rutt £5.00 19.04.12 Good luck - we will be looking out for you on telly- Very proud of you Mrs Sweeting |
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Emily £5.00 (+ £1.25 giftaid) 19.04.12 Good luck, Alison! I'll be thinking of you on Sunday! x |
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Alli McAdam £20.00 (+ £5.00 giftaid) 18.04.12 Good luck Ali. I know you can do it - you are such a strong lady. |
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Gsreth £20.00 (+ £5.00 giftaid) 18.04.12 Good luck |
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Mel £10.00 (+ £2.50 giftaid) 18.04.12 You are a legend. Ally will be there to encourage you and help with fundrising for other worht causes xx |
