And this year I will be supporting CMTA - the Charcot Marie Tooth Association, and their STAR campaign to accelerate research and find a cure for the most common type of the most common neurological disorder, which impacts 1 in 3300 people, including me!

I'm excited about 2010... Charities need strong voices and strong support to enable them to make a difference.  Through my athletic efforts I am excited to help CMTA to raise awareness and funds.  And I am excited to see how much strength I can develop, even with slow nerves!

I started 2010 with a pledge to donate 25 cents for each follower I have on Twitter to kick off my fundraising campaign.  On 1 January I had 1204 followers - meaning a donation to CMTA of $301!

Then on Friday morning Eric Harr started my twitter morning with another $250 for CMTA - he offered to write a check to everyone who commented on his blog / sent him a message on Twitter with their favourite charity!  So far he is donating about $25,000 and will be hosting a UStream session on February 1st to write the checks.  Amazing!  Eric's generous offer staggered me, and I am so excited that he will be supporting me in my 2010 fundraising campaign and raising awareness for CMT at the same time.

In the past I've supported some great charities - in the memory of friends, in support of friends, and at the suggestion of friends.  I have met some great people through the events I have done and have come to know some great organisations.  I will continue to support these charities in my heart and through the fundraising efforts of others.  I want to pay tribute to all the great events I have done and support I have received as I start 2010...  Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, and who gave to the charities I promoted.  It has motivated me in each step I've taken, and to cross the finish line in each race.  And my efforts have raised nearly £10,000 since 2003 for charity - an amount that is a testament to the generosity of others, and your belief in me...