AS many of you know I have now been in training for the Virgin London Marathon for two and a half weeks, and my how the excitement is building!

I knew I would be fairly excitable having gained a place in the marathon with the National Society for Epilepsy, but as the day gets nearer - just 151 days to go - I am like a kid at Christmas (not long now!). Last time I blogged I had just finished my first run and now two weeks on I have completed six training runs and have reached five miles as I look to build my distance.

The first of these five mile runs was torturous and left me with an aching back, but after a long soak and several sports drinks I am firmly in the driving seat.

I have set a new PB of 44.14 over five miles and am hoping to sign up for the Ulverston 10km on December 5, but more importantly my fundraising plans are coming together.

With much help from the fundraising team at the NSE I am awaiting arrival of collection tins, t-shirts and balloons to get start getting the word out about my run.

I have booked a night in Kendal for a charity event (all ideas welcome for the theme!) in March and Lakes Leisure, Kendal, are hoping to help me finalise a training plan.

So the running is taking off and the other pieces of the jigsaw are starting to come together. I never thought I would be able to get out on a cold, winters evening for a 4/5 mile run but so far I have remained motivated and stuck to the plan.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) I'm even getting up at half 6 to go for a 3 mile run before work. This is the steely determination I'm hoping to maintain over the next few months to get to the start line and around the course.

And just when you think I couldn't be any more excited, I receive an email to say I will be mixing it with other journalists and celebrities on the start line!

How glamorous?!? It certainly is building up to be a top day and I hope you all share the experience with me as much as possible!

This afternoon I was asked which celebrities I would like to line up with me and I guess it would have to be footballing idols of mine or Olympic heroes, but until I know who else is doing it, I can't really say!

When I signed up for the marathon I wasn't sure how I would take to the charity side of things but the support I have received from the NSE I am glad I have that aspect to my run.

My sister has really battled epilepsy over the years and any help and awareness my run can bring to the public can only show support to others in her position.

So when I'm struggling to get out of bed or run that extra mile, I'll be thinking of Siobhan and what we as a family we went through, and just what crossing that finish line will mean to me and all those I could be helping.

* To sponsor my marathon run visit www.justgiving.com/paddyslondonmarathon * For information on the National Society for Epilepsy visit www.epilepsysociety.org.uk * For information on Lakes Leisure visit www.lakesleisure.org.uk