My name is Jamie White and I ran the London marathon to fundraise for MPN Voice.
Why did you decide to fundraise for MPN Voice?
After my diagnosis I found MPN Voice to be such an incredibly helpful resource of information. They fund studies and work with healthcare providers and researchers to improve the lives of those living with MPNs and those in the process of being diagnosed. I really wanted to give something back.
So why did I choose a marathon?
Well I love a challenge! I wanted to push myself to achieve something physically that was a real comeback health concerns during the previous couple of years and being able to raise almost £4000 for the charity in the process was an amazing feeling.
How did you find the training?
I can’t lie the preparation was tough! Those long runs on a Sunday morning are even tougher than the marathon itself, but it was all done with the goal on my mind every step of the way. And knowing I was raising valuable money to support fundraising made me feel proud as I was determined to give something back to a charity that was so close to me personally.
Did you find the fundraising difficult?
I used social media to promote my fundraising page, shared it with work contacts as well as friends and family. They were all incredibly supportive and shared the fundraising page on social media for me too. It can be hard to approach people initially but once you get going and the first few donations and support messages come in it becomes easier and I definitely became more confident at asking for support. This entire journey has shown me how kind and supportive people can be, and just how much I needed those peoples support to get me through the training and all the little moments of doubt that creep in.
It’s definitely made me want to fundraise again, but maybe a golf day rather than a marathon next time. If you are reading this, then if you are thinking about fundraising, please get out there and give it a go. You won’t regret it. I certainly don’t.
