Off we go……

London marathon has been on my radar for years, but never more than last year. I spent the day glued to the TV in tears. My friend, Paul, ran London Marathon as part of the Mind Over Marathon documentary by the BBC, with my sister’s name across his back. I cried and cried. And I watched him cross the finish line and I cried harder. I was surprised at myself. I have no idea the work involved for Paul, the training hours and early starts and injury struggles. I just knew that this was a massive achievement for him. To think my sister, Eva, had helped to motivate him made me hugely proud.

So this year it is my turn. I want to do it. I want to run with Eva’s name on my back. I have ticked a box to say I have committed, I have had an email to welcome me to the team, I have new trainers….. so far I have it all. Except the fitness or running ability. This is my challenge. I am ready to tell my story.

Today is her birthday. She’d have been 31.

Eva was 24 when she died. She suffered for years from mental health problems, manifesting in bulimia and alcoholism. These were diseases that pushed us to the brink, diseases that we all hated. Alcoholism was ultimately the disease that killed her.

I cannot tell you enough how loved she was. Not just by family, she had so many friends. She was naughty and she had the most wicked sense of humour. The naughtiest and the funniest of the 3 of us. Gentle. And she was so so loved. It became easy during the darker days to forget all of that. And I imagine that is the same for many family and friends of people with addiction too. But each person with an addiction is suffering, each person with an addiction needs support and love, each person with an addiction is someone’s son or daughter, husband or wife, mother or father. Or sister. My sister. We lost Eva, and it has changed our lives forever and we miss her every single second. I am running to help someone else now. Every person with an addiction can do it, every one needs and deserves a chance. There are success stories and above everything there is hope. THERE IS HOPE.

I did my first run on Wednesday, just over 3 miles and it was really hard. The marathon at the moment seems impossible but I am assured it is doable. I am going to think about Eva and also all those who are fighting for sobriety, theirs is a harder and braver fight. I am running to raise £2000 for Addaction, a charity involved in the support of people with addiction, families, friends and young people to help them get through hard times and support them through recovery. I will be trying to learn about addiction and document my journey and along the way gain some support (and money) from you all. Wish me luck x

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MagdaBannister