Run The Right Way

My colleague, Ian, emailed this link to me this morning. Two really interesting videos that could make you run more effectively and the right way! 

It's only 3 minutes long & could make a whole heap of difference to your running. I'll certainly be trying out the different stance on my next run. 

http://sanjayguptamd.blogs.cnn.com/category/cnn-lifestream-video/page/2/#lifestream

The Big Event

Thank you so much for all the wonderful comments about my story and the fundraising video, it means so much that it's really touched so many people. 

Now for my next announcement!! 

As mentioned in the video, ITS have kindly offered to put on a fundraising/celebration day with all proceeds going to the two charities I'm supporting. 

The one day event on Saturday 18th January will be held in London & I'm really very excited about it. 

I'd love it if you are free & can join us, for full details click the image below. 

http://www.itsnlp.com/celebration-day-living-generously/

Presenting...

I mentioned previously that a colleague had kindly offered to make a fundraising video for me, well thanks to Brian Smith that video is now out there for the world to see. 

After watching it for the first time & being incredibly emotional, I'm proud to share it with you...

If you'd like more details on the ITS Celebration Day that is referred to during the video please contact me & I'll be happy to provide some further information. 

Keep Glowing!

What a great surprise to come home to a delivery today from Virgin Money Giving with probably the most useful running accessory you can have - a hi-vis running vest! 

I was one of the first 5000 runners to get donations on the Money Giving page so got sent this. 

What a nice letter too! 

Thanks Virgin Money Giving! 

Countdown is on

I received this wonderful plaque in the post from a lovely lady called Kelly. Kelly has done lots of decorative plaques for me & my sister in the past & they make such great presents.

I just love this, girly & pink & matching my charity colours but also a great reminder of the days on the journey ahead! 

 

Check out her Facebook page Kelly's Kitsch Stitch https://m.facebook.com/KellysKitschStitch

Thanks Kelly!! Oh & it's 141 days until the marathon!!!! 

Nobody said it was easy...

Just a couple of the wonderful things I'm going through this week: 

* Chapped & blistered lips

* Feet cut to bits

* Sore boobs

* Constantly cold

The cold weather is so tough to train in that I'm actually scared now about how hard it's going to get as the winter really kicks in. 

It's currently around 3 degrees when I've been going out in the mornings to start my run & with it set to get colder this week I'm not sure how I will get through it. I'm following the Virgin London Marathon Beginner's plan which has me doing varying distances 6 days per week. 

I can tell you this is a lot & having gone from someone who run whenever I fancied & mostly when it was dry & light to now running in the dark & all-weathers, it's definitely pushing me to my limits! 

I've been told about various remedies to alleviate some of the problems and any others would be really welcomed! Feel free to comment with your suggestions! 

Nobody ever said marathon training would be easy, but then again no one told me it'd be this hard either!! 

What a difference a year makes

A year ago today I went along for my routine smear test with the nurse. Thinking nothing of it at the time, it was about to be the day that set me off on a different course.
Thinking about it today with my stronger, wiser & much more focused hat on, I'm wondering what I'd say to 'me' a year ago. I'd have laughed if you'd told me in a year I would have a place in a marathon & be 4 weeks into training for it. 
I would absolutely tell myself to do what feels right. Something I have learnt over the past year is to have the emotion you feel like having when you feel like it, don't put on a brave face, especially around friends & family, and know that keeping positive & healthy is the best thing you can do. 

A year on and although I am still having to go to the hospital for check-ups & it is always in the back of my mind, I have new things to focus on & I've certainly never been stronger both mentally & physically.
It just goes to show you don't know what's around the corner. 

I recently came across this quote which fits just perfectly...

In the spotlight

Over the past week or so I've been working with a videographer creating a fundraising video. Brian, our work videographer kindly offered to film & produce this when he heard my 'story' during a recent work event. 

It really is amazing how people offer their skills to support me & I'm amazed on a daily basis by just how much support I'm getting. 

Brian recorded a sort of interview with me last Saturday where I basically gave my history & story. Having never been one for the spotlight this was a lot harder than I even imagined. I find it really difficult to articulate my story & feelings in words at the best of times but with a camera in your face it's even more pressure. Luckily Brian is an absolute pro so was able to coach the best out of me & hopefully got some really good quotes. I was also fortunate that my friend Alex joined us for the filming so rather than talking to the camera I directed everything to her, so it was just like having a conversation with a friend, the camera was just in the background. 

With that done Brian suggested he do some B-role filming which will go over my talking. He kindly came down to Essex in the week & recorded me doing normal things like making the tea, chilling on the sofa, then a lot of running along the seafront whilst he drove alongside with his camera in the window (apologies if we held anyone up along the seafront on Tuesday but all for a good cause!!). 

Brian also wanted to capture me walking into the hospital which has become something of a regular haunt for me this year. This was probably where I felt most exposed, and there was me thinking it'd be when I was running along the seafront in the middle of winter in Lycra!!! I guess the hospital when I visit is generally quite a negative place so to be back there wasn't easy and to remain inconspicuous & be filming was just a lot weirder that I imagined. 

Anyway, the filming is all now done & the footage is all in Brian's capable hands. Normally I would dred seeing myself on camera but actually I'm really looking forward to seeing what he comes up with. 

As soon as it's all finalised I'll post it on here so look forward to seeing what everything thinks of my big screen debut!! 

Huge thanks to Brian for doing this all for me & to Alex of course for getting me through the filming! 

Running is a lonely sport

Whilst doing my daily training run this evening it struck me at just how lonely it is being out running on a winters night.

It's hard enough to get ready to run & prepare yourself for the very cold, dark weather but motivating yourself without the help of others is quite a task. I find the Nike app motivating as I have friends on there so I can make sure I keep ahead of them. Whilst running it gives you quite a lot of time to think through any dramas of the day & what's on your mind but once that is out of the way then what do you think about & how do you carry on pushing yourself? 

Music is my key to keeping sane & blocking out the cold & tiredness but even that can get a little boring at times. Plus the marathon training tells you to sometimes run without music as during a lot of races you're not allowed earphones in so good to prepare without them. 

If running during the day it's always nice to run in public places so you can see other runners but the most you get out of them is a nod of acknowledgement. Running at night, even in well lit areas, is a different ball game altogether, you're lucky if you see anyone else mad enough to be out in the cold & when you do they're definitely 'in the zone'! As evenings after work is when I do most of my training, finding ways to keep my mind occupied is hard work. 

I'd love to hear from other runners in the same position to know what you do to keep motivated during your winter training? Or if you have any suggestions to help me along my way please be in touch. I have a feeling the mental strength is just going to get tougher as the runs get longer & the weather worsens. 

Long v's Short?

Now that winter has arrived I have a big dilemma!...

Do I go for the long running trousers or the 3/4 ones? 

It might be too soon for the long one's as it's not actually that cold yet but I was very chilly on my run last night. I don't want to peak too early and I have no other layers to call in when it gets really cold. 

Any thoughts from readers on this would be appreciated! 

So Long or Short? 

Let's get this show on the road!

It's been a little while since my last post & I have exciting news! 

I have confirmed my London Marathon 2014 place with Cancer Research UK. I've paid my £100 to secure the place & have it all in writing. That was certainly a daunting few minutes on the phone to the charity confirming it all. 

Now it is done the panic is setting in ever so slightly, I have a huge task ahead of me with the training & the fundraising so it'll be a really busy few months. 

As I previously talked about, I decided to give 10% of the money I raise to Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust so although my target for fundraising is now much higher, I get the satisfaction of running for two charities that I support & are very close to my heart. 

My virgin money giving page is now up online so all donations are being accepted! 
Click the image below to see more & make your donation. PLEASE!!

I will be doing as many fundraising events over the coming months as I can & I'll make sure I post details on here & my social media pages. 

Now onto the training, well with 24 weeks to go, the training has begun. I'm currently running 5 miles comfortably so improving on that each week & following a training plan which I downloaded from the London Marathon site. The clocks went back this weekend so the nights are drawing in & it's getting dark by 4pm which is going to be really tough to make sure I keep to the schedule & don't make excuses. 

I'm certain I'll stay committed espectially when I see donations coming in & with my goal in the back of my mind all the time, I know I'll be able to do it. 

More to come...  

Saw this...

Saw this photo this morning & just love it, it's exactly how I'm feeling at the moment especially whilst I'm trying to build my stamina for my marathon training but this photo says it all...

Happy Weekend Running!! 

All Systems GO!!

I got home last night to an amazing letter from Cancer Research UK congratulating me on being accepted for a Charity Bond London Marathon 2014 place through then!! 



After being really emotional and excited for the whole evening, I'm still beaming from ear-to-ear! I just can't believe that after all these months of waiting, I've got my place. I'm also counting myself very lucky as I know hundreds of people apply for these places every year and to be accepted on my first try is really quite something. 

My intention is that unless I receive an offer of a place from Jo's Trust or the public ballot, I will accept this place & raise as much money as I can for CRUK whilst also giving a percentage of the total amount to Jo's. Should I be selected for Jo's, I'll probably be delirious and to honour CRUK's commitment to me I'll reverse this and give a percentage of the Jo's money raised to them. Sound fair?

Thank you for all the messages of congratulations that I've received so far. It's going to be a long road ahead but I'm mentally ready to take on the challenge & I just can't wait to get going. 

Any tips or advise that you can share on your marathon experiences would be very much welcomed. I've already received a lot of great advise from previous runners which I am sure will stand me in good stead of the coming months of training. With plenty of hard work and determination, I'm ready to take on this challenge & cross that finish line having raised a lot of money for great causes. 

Doing it for Charity

No matter what the charity, it is always fulfilling and rewarding raising money or awareness for a charity - FACT! 

Last weekend my good friend Sam, abseiled down Essex House in Southend. This was arranged through his employer to raise money for a local charity, The Art Ministry. 

The Art Ministry believes that creative activity is important to the well-being of people in general and especially to those less able or disadvantaged. They provide 5 two hour sessions each week, meeting the needs of adults with visual impairments; mental health problems or physical disabilities, and adults and children with learning difficulties. They also run community projects to encourage a wider audience to engage with our members.

The abseil itself was down Essex House, one of the tallest buildings in South Essex! I went along to cheer Sam & his colleagues on and what a great atmosphere it was. Looking from the road below it certainly was a tall building & worthy of this challenge. 

Sam was first in his group to take to the challenge & I believe took it on with confidence, knowing him, he was probably not as confident as he appeared. All the same, within a few minutes he was sliding down the building and nearing the bottom. 

As I said the atmosphere was great with friends, family & colleagues cheering him on and he was beaming from ear to ear by the time he reached the bottom.
I really believe that doing anything out of your comfort zone is a really worthwhile thing to do but doing it for charity just makes it all the more worthwhile.

Well done Sam & all at Hood Group who took part! 

Donations can still be made via their on-line fundraising page. 

Hair Dilemma

Having had quite short hair for a long time now, I am desperately trying to grow it but it's just such a long process. I've been trying now for about a year & although it is getting there, it's certainly not quick enough.
I go to my hairdressers - Sodeaus - every six weeks but just to tidy up my hair and my wonderful hairdresser Dannie is under strict instructions not to cut it short even if I cave in and beg her.

As I regularly moan about this lack of hair growth, my wonderful friend Gemma recommended & kindly brought me some Lee Stafford hair treatment, this is designed for hair that never grows part a certain length, definitely for me! 

Available from most hair retailers,
I get mine from Boots who offer the full range and often have offers too.  

It is really reasonably priced at around £7.99 per pot and there is a full range of other treatments also available. 

I've now been washing my hair with it everyday for the past week - as instructed - and it is finally starting to work. Although it is a bit of a pain having to wash my hair daily, it is actually keeping me hair really strong and soft so I can't thank Gemma enough for suggesting it.
I'll certainly be buying more from the range to ensure the hair grows even faster and it has the added bonus of smelling great!

Do you have any tips for growing hair that I could maybe try as well?  

Santa Run!

Today I've signed up to take part in a 10KM Santa Run on 8th December in London. I will be running this for Jo's Trust which makes me feel very proud indeed. I was delighted to get Judith, from the charities, email this morning and signed up straight-away. 

Fingers crossed some friends & family will also be joining me as it'd be great to run along-side them but even doing it on my own I'll be really satified knowing I'm raising more money and awareness for my chosen charity. 

If you'd like to run with me, please sign up here, places are limited so the sooner the better, then let me know when you're done & I'll sort out regular catch-ups leading up to the run. 

I was hoping by now to be on my first half marathon but with the knee problems, my progress has slowed down. All being well, I can now start to really pick it up and especially with runs like this in the pipeline it'll really spur me on. And it's only another month until the ballot places for the London Marathon are announced so let's hope that is good news for me. 

If you would like to sponsor me for any of the run's and challenges I'm doing over the coming year, please use the link on my blog to donate as much as you can. 

Insanity!

After what feels like months on a diet, I really let myself go over my birthday celebrations, although thankfully I only managed to put on 1lb and a little bit of body fat so overall I was quite pleased. 

With only 5 weeks to go until my friend, Grace's wedding I'm now back on the healthy eating, albeit giving the shakes a miss & just sticking to Special K & less carbs. The running is now in full swing too and with my weekly Tuesday runs with Alex to look forward too it's all keeping me active. 

I was also looking for something else to do to get my body looking toned and I'd heard a lot of people talk about 'Insanity'. It's a 60-day workout developed by Shaun T who says he will 

"...help you find out what happens when you get your mind out of the way and push your body to an intensity level you thought was reserved for elite athletes." 

I've since found out a few friends have tried some of his workouts and not necessarily done the whole 60-days. Well not one to do things by halves I checked it out this morning to see how this might work for me (my mum is also keen to try something new and it's always great to have a fitness buddy so I've also roped her in!). Shaun T acts as your personal trainers throughout the 60-days and according to their website - Beachbody - will push you past your limits with 10 workout discs packed with plyometric drills on top of nonstop intervals of strength, power, resistance, and ab and core training moves. There is no equipment or weights needed & you can do this in the comfort of your own home. Along with your 10 DVDs you also receive a 60 day wall calendar which shows you which workout to do each day, a quick start guide, a nutrition plan and you are able to go online for support along the way. 

The cost is a bit more than I'd normally pay for a fitness regime but it's certainly cheaper than the gym and if you're really keen you can do the workout over and over! 

I'm really excited to get started, although not sure I'll be saying that after a few days. The before shots will be taken tonight & hopefully I'll survive to let you know how I get on & who know's in 60 days time, I might have those long awaited abs! 

A Sunday Road Trip - Gavin & Stacey style!

On Sunday my Dad competed in the Monmouth Raft Race which surprisingly was in Monmouth! For those of you, like me, who have no idea on geography, this is on the Welsh border, just the other side of the Severn Bridge. 

As a bit of a Gavin & Stacey fan I've often thought about doing the same journey that Smithy & Gavin take to Barry so when Dad told us about it, I thought it'd be a great idea for myself, my sister & her fiancée to make the journey & surprise my Dad at the race. 
In theory this was great & as Designated Driver I was only too happy to put on my finest Essex accent (not difficult!) and step into Smithys shoes for the day. 

We set off from Essex at 7.30am, in my head this journey only took a couple of hours, I was so wrong. Four hours is a long time when you're sat in the car with miles of motorway ahead of you. Despite our best attempts at keeping our spirits up, it looks so much more fun on the programme than reality. 

I have to say stopping at Chieveley services was a bit of a highlight as I remember that featuring in the programme, Smithy:

"Chieveley’s the best; it’s insane"

Crossing the Severn bridge was also a bit special, although paying £6.20 for the privilege was not as great, notice to the Welsh Tourist Board - it's good but not that good!








After we'd spent 40 minutes driving through the Welsh valleys, definitely a trip none of us want to repeat any time soon, we arrived at the start of the race. There was around 70 rafts competing, with 5 from my dad's company DHL. 
Dad's raft 'Luscious Lucy' looked relatively sturdy compared to some of the other more delicate looking rafts competing. 

Dad was really surprised to see we'd all made the trip & appreciated us all cheering them on. For the finish we all waited at a farmers fields 6 miles away from the start. Around 1000 people turned out to cheer them all to the finish which made for a really great atmosphere. 
Dad's raft finished at a really impressive 14th with them coming first out of the DHL teams. Having done no training at all, they were very proud of themselves too. We were all so pleased we could be there to support him. 

Unfortunately we then had the 4 hour trip back home to make but thankfully I had EJ & Ash to keep me entertained with plenty of cheesy songs on the radio. 

What a day and definitely a road trip I'd think twice about in future. Although I wouldn't rule out the trip back to Wales, just maybe for the weekend next time. 
How on earth did Gavin & Smithy do that on a weekly basis?    




 

 

Do It Yourself

Following my post yesterday about all the wedding talk, whilst out shopping today, EJ & I went along to HobbyCraft! I know what you're thinking we really know how to live. 

This shop brings on a whole new existence when you have a wedding to plan. EJ's face lite up & the place became a treasure chest, full of such great ideas. In theory, making & doing it all yourself sounds like a lot of fun & that you'll also be saving a lot of money, but I am wondering if you do? 

For all the great ideas we found none of us are what you would call creative so are wondering how some of these things will actually turn out. 

Lots of ideas have been noted down & once the venue has been confirmed I think we will be making many trips back to HobbyCraft. 

Has anyone else done decorations & invitations themselves for their weddings? I'd love to see what you came up with. 

A passion for the Blues

For quite a few years now I've had a bit of a strange passion, well it might be strange but I'm a girl in a bit of a boys world. I am mad on Chelsea Football Club! 

I got into watching football quite a few years ago & after going to my first match at the Bridge about 7 years ago, I was completely obsessed! My sister & I share the passion & go to as many matches as we can. We both get out shirts each season & watch all their games on the TV. 

I'm not sure what it is about the football but the atmosphere in the crowd on match days is absolutely what got me hooked. There is nothing else like it, not even a Robbie Williams concert! 

A few years ago I got so interested in the team that I started a twitter account & blog @chelsea4girls which is my place for talking all things Chelsea. Unfortunately due to a lack of time, I've since removed the blog but I still keep up my tweets & giving my views on the performances & any news from the club. And with over 10,000 followers I guess I must be doing something right! 

This season my love for the blues has been further ignited with Jose Mourinho, the most exciting manager the premiership has ever seen coming back to his rightful home. I was fortunate enough to be at the opening game of the season this year for the first time & experience the atmosphere when the 'Special One' walked out of the tunnel to roars of applause. 

A recent blues related highlight for me was receiving a personalised birthday card from Mourinho which my sister had organised, what an honour! 

We have also got my youngest cousin interested in the blues now, when asked her favourite football team, she replies "Chelsea, Chelsea"! Proud cousin alert! We got her a Chelsea t-shirt on our recent trip to Stamford Bridge & news from Auntie Debbie is that she won't let it go in the wash!! Brilliant. Won't be long before we are taking her to her first Chelsea match!  

There will be many more posts to come over the course of the new season especially if they continue to win & are as exciting as their current form. 

KTBFFH (Keep The Blue Flag Flying High) 

Wedding Fever

This week has been absolutely crazy but in a good, no, a great way! 

On Monday evening my sister EJ called to announce that her boyfriend Ash had just proposed & she'd said yes! There were a lot of tears for all of the family that night & we couldn't be happier for the perfect couple. 

After the excitement of seeing the ring & their beaming faces subsided, we have had full on wedding talk all week! I've no doubt that this will continue for months to come. 

Unlike most girls, me nor my sister have ever dreamt in too much detail of our 'big day'! Some girls I know have scrap books which they created when they were young with photos out of magazines of the perfect wedding - not us! We're both pretty laid back about it yet its amazing how quickly & easily you can get into wedding fever when it comes your way. 

I've been involved in some friends weddings in the past providing advise & support but never to this extent. 

EJ & Ash both have very clear ideas all of a sudden about their perfect day! It's all so exciting & certainly all systems go. 

The most amazing thing for me personally was EJ asking me to be her bridesmaid, we are extremely close so it was always in the back of my mind but there's nothing quite like being asked to be such a big part of someone's big day. And at least I know she'll be kind to me when it comes to the dress or it'll be pay back when my time eventually comes around! 

My sister & I talk on the phone on a daily basis anyway but this week not a spare minute has gone by when we've not been on the phone talking ideas or looking on the Internet at anything wedding related. 

First thing is first, they very sensibly sorted out their budget, I'm still stunned at how much a wedding adds up & I'm sure it will just grow & grow as the months go by. 

I won't spoil any surprises that they have planned by writing it on here as its still early days but I'm sure I'll be posting a lot more over the coming months about developments. 

Any pointers or advise on arranging a wedding would be welcome. 

Friday Motivation

 "The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible." –Arthur C. Clarke

Getting our Geek on!

As part of my birthday celebrations, I'm having a night out tomorrow with friends. My good friend Gemma, came up with the idea of dressing 'Geek Chic' which I instantly agreed too! 

I'm really excited & having checked with the bars that we're all ok to dress up & most importantly wear our trainers (for comfort & style) we are all pretty much set! 

I have the converse (complete with diamantès to add to chic aspect!), the braces, the geek glasses & t-shirt & not forgetting the frilly socks. I'm set! 

As with most themes or fancy dress the fun is in seeing everyone else's interpretations so I can't wait for tomorrow night. 

Post coming up next week with plenty of photos! 

Some good news at last

After vowing to get fit & healthy after a procedure earlier this year to remove part of my cervix, I've been working my socks off! The running is going well (bar the latest injury), my diet is much cleaner, I've lost some weight & am mentally feeling much better. 

I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone but especially someone who is going through any health problems. Healthy mind, healthy body is what they say isn't it? 

I recently had more cell samples taken for my cervical abnormalities & I'm pleased to say there is no change (as I've had to explain to a number of friends & family, this is good news!)

Providing that some blood tests I've had taken come back as fine then I should be ok to have another bit of time off the hospital & have the cells checked again in a few months. 

At the moment this really is the best outcome. Unfortunately, this may continue like this for some time but in my eyes the healthier I get then the least likely these cells are to develop. 

So having now turned 30 & enjoyed lots of celebrations with my friends & family, it's hopefully a happy & healthy few months ahead for me! And every time I'm feeling down, I just have to read through my blog to motivate me once again & look how far I've come!

Onwards & upwards as they say! 

(Unsure of who 'they' are I keep referring too but it's all true!) 

Injuries cont.

Unfortunately over the last few days my running injury has gotten worst! It initially started as a stress fracture of the right metatarsal a month ago, this seemed to ease off after a weeks rest so I continued running. Now that I'm increasing my distance I'm starting to get excruciating knee pains also in my right leg! 

The pain is so bad that it straight-away stops me from running! It came on after 6 KM earlier this week so I took the rest of my run easier & made sure I rested & iced it when I got home. This seemed to do the trick & with 2 days rest I ventured out again this morning. Sadly after 4KM I was in agony again.

Wondering if anyone reading this can advice? 

I don't want to go back to my doctors again just to be told to rest. I've carried on putting ice on my knee & resting all day. It feels fine when I'm walking its just when I run. 

I really don't want to be injury prone as I enjoy my running so much. 

With only a few months until my half marathon I need to keep up the training so any injury makes a large delay. 

Any suggestions or advise would be really useful. 

Some highlights

So this weekend was the long awaited 30th birthday celebrations & they certainly lived up to all the hype. I was spoilt rotten & had the best weekend. 

I'm sure I'll post in more detail about it all but just thought I'd share some of my highlights from the weekend. 

It all kicked off on Friday with a quite remarkable work birthday, photos of my face covering the office with balloons & presents, oh & not forgetting the cupcakes with my face on them! Amazing work by Gemma & Alex! 

Then on Saturday it was the C Party for my family & close friends. As posted before everyone had to come as something dressed beginning with C. The party was a huge success & we had all sorts, crab, crocodile, convict, cat, chefs & even a crayon! Not forgetting the winner of the best dressed, my friend Sam who had actually made a cruise liner which he was dressed in! Amazing. 

I went as a champagne bottle & although I didn't get any votes for best dressed, thought I looked pretty good. 

A good time was had by all & it will certainly be a party we'll all remember. So nice seeing all my family too & them all making such an effort for it. Not forgetting the wonderful presents I was treated too. 

On Sunday (my actual birthday) we had breakfast at the arches in Southend & I opened my presents from mum, dad, EJ & Ash. I was completely overwhelmed by some of the amazing gifts with the highlight being a card signed personally by the Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho! And a letter from John Terry wishing me a happy birthday! As a massive Chelsea fan it doesn't get much better than that! 

For the rest of the day it was off to watch Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with my sister. What a brilliant game we saw too, first game of the season, Jose's first game back as manager & the best atmosphere I'm ever experienced at the bridge. Just amazing. Another highlight was a birthday message for me in the big screen at half time which was pretty cool. 

With such a memorable weekend its hard to pick one stand out memory but one of my favourite things was my youngest cousin, Amelia, deciding that despite her dad being a Man United fan and her mum an Arsenal fan, she is going to follow in mine & my sisters footsteps & support Chelsea! She was even singing the song at my party. Needless to say we've now got her a little Chelsea t-shirt to kick start her support. One day maybe she'll be joining us at the bridge & cheering in the blues.

Thank you to everyone involved in making my birthday so brilliant & for all the messages, cards and gifts. The celebrations don't end until this Saturday when we have geek night with my friends. That should be a messy one! More to come on that!