THE FOYLE HOSPICE LONDON MARATHON APPEAL Made on behalf of the ‘Desperate Housewives’ Team of Newton Road, Limavady Thank you for taking the time to find out more about the above appeal. We are five neighbours and mothers preparing to run the London Marathon in April. We are hoping that our combined efforts will raise over £5,000 for the Foyle Hospice in Derry. The hospice provides specialist care and support for both patients diagnosed with cancer or another terminal illness. This support is carried out in the unit and within the local community. Their work in invaluable and we are proud to be able to help them with their much needed fundraising efforts. Why the ‘Desperate Housewife’ moniker, you may ask? Well, we are: DESPERATE for a new challenge! DESPERATE for your sponsorship! DESPERATE for knee and hip replacements in 2007! Please take the time to consider helping us with your donation. We have thirteen children between us and collectively have to run 131 miles!! Here is a brief lowdown of the team – so that you know we really exist! CATHERINE BUTCHER (Nee Lowry) A Limavady girl born and bred. After successfully graduating from the University of Lancashire, Cath commenced employment with the airlines as cabin crew; a job she loved for ten years. However, after the birth of her third son, Cath decided it was time to switch to a more child-friendly position and is now employed by the local hospital. She has successfully completed both the Derry half and Dublin marathons’ last year in very respectable times. BERNIE LOWRY (Nee McCracken Originally from Dungiven, Bernie is married to Cath’s brother. She has been settled in Limavady for twenty years and has two teenagers. Bernie’s first love is golf but has risen to this challenge due to the loss of her sister to cancer after an eight year battle. Aware of the enormity of the task ahead, Bernie is philosophical stating, “Nothing compares to working as an Office Manager in my brother’s joinery business!” JOANNE McLAUGHLIN (Nee Hill) Originally a Plymouth lass but now a firm fixture of the Limavady community. Jo attended Dalrieda, Ballymoney and has formally been voted Northern Ireland’s Top Garage D.J. Subsequently Jo is as deaf as a post! She is married to a successful local businessman and is mother to two young boys. A fitness devotee, Jo successfully completed the Derry Half Marathon last year and now says she is ready for the challenge of a full one! FRAN McFADDEN (The Paula Radcliffe of the Group) Fran is a native of Monaghan, but is now a very welcome member of the Limavady community. Her husband is a local and they have three young boys. Fran is a qualified paediatric nurse and has previously worked in London for a number of years. She is currently employed at the local Altnagelvin Hospital. A born runner, together with Catherine she ran the Derry half and Dublin marathons. The one to catch! BARBARA KAVANAGH (Nee Morgan) A Londoner by birth but Barb has settled in Limavady with her husband and three kids. Her family were originally from Magilligan so she has gone back to her roots although she hasn’t lost her London accent! She is looking forward to her first marathon in her hometown and hopes for plenty of support on the finishing line. At school was voted “the girl least likely to complete a marathon without cheating”. She will show them! So now you know all about us. All you have to do is pledge a small (or large) amount to help us realise our fundraising goal. Then you can sit back in your armchair on 23 April and try to spot us within the thousands of runners pounding the pavements of London confident that you have contributed. You know it makes sense! Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Foyle Hospice will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.