Hi my name is Sian Donoghue, so as you know people take on the couch to 5k..well I have taken on the couch to 42k. In December '24 I was given a place in the London Marathon! Since January 2nd I have started training as a non-runner to accomplish this huge opportunity. It's tough with the normality of life but we all face tough times. Let's take the bull by the horns!

I have taken this opportunity to raise money for two charities that are close to my heart.

The first charity is NICU - as you all know NICU is a HUGE for me...I lost my gorgeous little boy at 2 months old due to him being premature during Covid, born at 23 weeks..no-one apart from me and his dad were able to see him due to restricitions not even his big brothers and sisters..NICU became our family as we spent all our lives at that time by his side.. I so wish everyone could have met him as he was bloomin amazing and so strong...I also met so many other parents that pulled together and were so strong too...you could not fault the loving nurses we had, he was also thiers...the money raised will be split between areas of NICU to help with specific machines, and the little bits people dont see (lovely blankets, nappies, clothes) that will help our little babies during thier stay but also to help support the parents at a very tough time..which is really needed.

My second charity is Cancer Research, the disease that has taken so many along the way, not only on MY journey in life but many more. We lost our grandmother at a young age and then lost our mum when she was 40 and dad when he was 50. And then our grandfather. I now see so many more losing their lives at no age at at all when they should be spending their lives living it up...I would love to support specific areas for this, areas that need to be funded more as we learn of increasing cases of young generations being struck by this disease.

So that's my story...I want to hear yours...I would love if anyone that donates sends me a picture of a loved one who you have either lost or has been affected by this both with NICU or Cancer ...these pictures will be printed on my tshirt and so they will run with me across London and be remembered and celebrated...as they should

Lots of love

Siany D xx