My Story

I have run the London marathon twice before - last time in 2012 when I also raised funds for Cherry Lodge. This was on my 65th birthday after which I foolishly said I would do it again in ten years - so here we are! Now 75 and I am very lucky that I still feel able to do this. I have never been an athlete or taken part in any significant sport since schooldays (maybe to my advantage now) and though the knees have been giving me a bit of trouble I think I'll be OK.

Cherry Lodge works alongside the clinical care of the NHS within a catchment area centred on Barnet and extending over much of North London and South Hertfordshire. Cancer care has been receiving increased attention under the NHS Cancer Plan but there continues to be unmet need and increased demand for the services Cherry Lodge provides.

The Charity focuses on the provision of high quality cancer support, information and complementary therapies using approaches that value practical, emotional and physical wellbeing in the friendly, relaxed atmosphere of their centre in Union Street, Barnet. They also have a Home Visiting service, and all their services are provided free of charge.

Cherry Lodge is very well-known and valued in the Barnet area but also relies very much on local funding if it is able to continue and improve the level of its services and anything we are able to contribute is much needed and will be very greatly appreciated.