An Appeal

I know it’s not too long since I was bugging you all for sponsors for the 10k midnight walk I did recently, but this time the challenge is much bigger. I’ve never personally relied on the hospice, but wanted to support the charity should I or my loved ones ever require it. However, Birmingham Children’s Hospital – the charity I’m participating in the BUPA Great Birmingham Run half-marathon for – has had a very profound effect on my life – indeed, I wouldn’t be here, writing this blog today if not for the people at BCH, which is why I really want to raise so much money for them. At three months old, I had a life-threatening illness, and without Birmingham Children’s Hospital, the past almost-eighteen years wouldn’t have happened and I wouldn’t be alive.

The hospital also made my brother’s last days comfortable for him and for all of us, and gave us some wonderful mementos and memories of him that will last forever and we’ll always cherish them. If I can help in any small way to help the hospital to provide the same service to the countless other families like us who pass through their doors every day, I’m going to – and I’d love it if you could all help me with this. I have a JustGiving page where I discuss my reasons in greater detail, but it’s going to be a big challenge to train myself to run 13 miles by October. My intention had been to run the Manchester 10k next year – much more achievable – but the Birmingham half marathon takes place on October 21st this year, what would have been my little brother Owain’s 15th birthday, and everything about it seems perfect.

http://www.justgiving.com/madison-matthews/eurl.axd/a1ab18fa3c6a834d8d8dcdbe029e06c9

Please, please sponsor me and help to raise money for this fantastic cause!

A most delightful week!

Today I returned from possibly the most exciting (and definitely the best!) week of my life. I went on holiday last Monday with my family and boyfriend – not too far away, just down to the south of Wales – and we had a blast! TripAdvisor is going to love me because I have so many places to review – I’ll post a link to my TripAdvisor later so that if any of you are considering a trip down to Swansea/Porthcawl/Cardiff way, you can see some of the attractions and restaurants I rate highly, as well as my review of the  park we stayed at.

Two exciting things occurred on holiday. The first is that I turned 18 on Friday, so legally I am an adult (and I returned home to find three birthday cards from the local council to prove it), although I refuse to acknowledge myself as a grown up. The second is that my boyfriend asked me to marry him, and I said yes! So, as you can imagine, it’s been a lovely and very exciting week, although I’m exhausted now and fairly glad to be home! My next two posts will be regarding my writing, which seems to be going pretty well, and the Bupa Great Birmingham Run – I’ve now set up my fundraising page and would appreciate it if you could read my story and find it in your hearts to sponsor me 🙂