In two months time, on 29 March, I am going to attempt to run 13.1 miles around London with my running buddy, Claire.  The last time I ran this far was in 2016, and I swore I wouldn't do another half marathon, certainly as my body is starting to creak and hurt more as I approach the half century!

So why am I doing it? The British Lung Foundation charity were inviting supporters to run this race as a means of fundraising. It seemed rude to ignore their invitation! 

Those that know me will understand why this charity is so important to me. It will be three years in June since I lost my lovely Dad, Rob Datlen, we all miss him very much. Dad had a lung condition called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It's a condition about which there is low awareness and it can therefore be misdiagnosed. Unfortunately there is also no known cause or cure. The British Lung Foundation not only supports sufferers of this condition and their families but is also funding vital research into IPF and other lung conditions.

My running buddy Claire is also raising money for the charity as one of her family is undergoing tests for a lung condition.

We therefore decided to give this half marathon a go. It will be the furthest Claire has ever run and I'm by no means ready, carrying more bottom than I should be! But, with each other's support and knowing that we're helping such a worthy cause we'll cross that finish line.

Any help, no matter how small or large, will be much appreciated by both myself and the British Lung Foundation. The amount I raise will also register against Dad's Breath of Life Fund which was started in his memory and has already raised nearly £1,900 for the British Lung Foundation.

Thank you so much.

Rachael x

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