My name is Lisa...

On Monday the 29th of April 2011, completely out of the blue, I was diagnosed with Myeloma which is cancer of the blood plasma cells. I had always been healthy and fit, juggling multiple tasks and relishing the life of a working wife and mum. There is currently no cure for Myeloma but newer treatments can halt the cancer for longer and improve quality of life.

As a mum of 42, with 2 young children and a busy job, this has meant a massive change to our all our lives.

The medical treatment I receive from the team at the Western General in Edinburgh is fantastic and with the phenomenal support of Andrew Anderson and his team at Maggie's Edinburgh we are all looking to the future in a positive way.

Maggie's has provided so much for us as a family already.... walking into the centre is like walking into the warm sunshine.

The challenge

To raise awareness and funds for the terrific work Maggie's do, over the course of the next 10 months I want to raise a minimum of £50 000. This will help Maggie's, to provide more help and support to others and their families just like they are doing for me and mine.

We launched the campaign with a hugely successful "Glitter and Sparkle" event on Thursday 15 December held at the Maggie's Edinburgh Centre. This was extremely well attended and raised in excess of £19,000! Since then there have been several events and challenges undertaken by friends and colleagues. As at the 5th May through the fantastic support of so many and following the amazing 6 teams who completed the Monster Bike and Hike we have exceeded our target raising a massive £61473.00 Words fail me!!!!

I would personally like to thank everyone who has donated, supported and genreally got on board this "bus" with me.... 5 months and we have achieved what we set out to in ten! Boyed on by the enthusiasm of all our supporters and knowing that we have lots still to come we have pledged to double our target by the time of our Austerity Ball on the 8th December..... £100k here we come.!!!!!

Watch this space and also the calendar to learn more about upcoming events/activities and how you can get involved and support the campaign.