Exciting Post!

I got an exciting delivery earlier this week of my fundraising pack from CLIC Sargent. The best bit was this, which I'm saving to wear fresh on the day!

New Shoes!

Today I was fitted for my new running shoes, as my current ones are about 6 years old, if not more. It was a very interesting experience where I stood on different platforms which measured and analysed my feet, was filmed running to discover my running style, and had heated insoles moulded to the shape of my foot. I found out I have a ‘normal’ instep but slightly ‘over-pronate’ when I run, particularly on my left ankle, and so have these little beauties to correct that! They are so comfortable and hopefully will help me avoid injury!

Donate here!

I have finally got round to setting up my online giving page. If you would like to sponsor me to run the marathon and support CLIC Sargent, please visit: 

www.justgiving.com/chiaracreates 

Thank you!

In Memory

I wanted to run this marathon for a friend of mine who sadly passed away this summer aged 19, after a five and a half year battle with cancer. Richard Moon was a friend I first met aged 4, at primary school, and we remained friends ever since. The courage he showed is inspirational. Those who knew him will never forget his kindness, witty sense of humour and gentle nature. I set myself this challenge knowing that the money I raise will help children and young people like Richard understand what it means to have cancer and what can be done to help them and their families. But most of all, I am running it for Richard, and know that he will be supporting me all the way.

My First Run!

Today I went for my first run of marathon training! My fitness levels aren’t at all high so I spent it half power walking and half running – but it wasn’t at all bad to say it’s my first day! 

A Little Bit About Me

Twitter: @ChiaraCreates

I am 19 years old and I live in Tunbridge Wells. I am a second-year at the University of Leeds where I am studying for BA Childhood Studies. When I graduate, I am hoping to do a PGCE to teach at Primary level. Girlguiding UK plays a huge role in my life. I feel that its aim to empower girls across the globe and give them a voice on what is important to them can never be devalued. I am a leader for Rainbow, Brownie and Guide units and am part of the leadership team taking 14 girls to Uganda next summer to work with a charity called The Quicken Trust. The opportunities the association offers to girls are incredible. As a member, I have visited South Africa and Zambia where I worked with 2 charities, God’s Golden Acre and The Book Bus. These experiences, amongst others, sparked my interest in raising awareness of lesser known charities. My international trips have also enabled me to form relationships with my local Lions and Soroptimist Clubs. My latest challenge is, of course, this marathon. CLIC Sargent is an extremely worthwhile cause and I must not let them down. However, I am not in the slightest little bit sporty! But I am determined and hopefully I’ll get there!

CLIC Sargent

I have copied these quotes from CLIC Sargent’s website as I feel they epitomize well the charity and its aims.

“CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, and their families. We provide clinical, practical, financial and emotional support to help them cope with cancer and get the most out of life. We are there from diagnosis onwards and aim to help the whole family deal with the impact of cancer and its treatment, life after treatment and, in some cases, bereavement”.

“Our vision is to see a world where all children and young people with cancer live life to the full”.

Some Exciting News!

Yesterday, I got some very exciting news! About 2 weeks ago I applied for a charity place in the Virgin Money London Marathon 2014 – and yesterday I got the offer I had been hoping for! I have never been sporty, have never been a runner and don’t even really do much exercise, so as you can imagine, the news came as a massive surprise to my family! I was even quite shocked myself, as I know how competitive places for the London Marathon are! I will be running for a cancer charity that helps children and young people affected by cancer and their families, CLIC Sargent. I need to raise a minimum of £1,800 for this cause – but more if I possibly can! I still can’t quite believe this is all happening, and it’s just starting to dawn on me how much training I am going to need to do!