Well I did it, I completed the 2008 London Marathon. I can't say I really enjoyed much of the day [the photo proves that]. Not being a "celebrity", and being honest with my estimated run time, meant I had to start almost at the back of the field. It took me 14 minutes to reach the start, further on runner congestion [where's the mayor's charge?] meant I had to stop twice, it was like being in a coma again
But enough complaining, I just have to remind myself of where I was when the 2007 London Marathon was taking place - in the ICU at King's where they helped to save my life. The afternoon before I was out training on my bike for an Ironman triathlon when I was hit head-on by a van. 51 weeks on and I've managed to run the race myself.
The collision left me with a fractured skull, brain haemorrhage, broken ribs, clavicle & scapula, [I'm still rehabilitating my right shoulder], a punctured lung and a severed jugular. A bystander stopped me from bleeding to death and the Sussex Police helicopter air-lifted me to Worthing General. After a blood transfusion and my blood pressure stabilising I was moved to King's College Hospital in London in case I needed a brain operation - it's the centre of excellence for brain injury in the SE of England - but being an Ironman meant I was made of strong stuff and I didn't need the op! I was in a coma for four days and have no memory of the accident, or my time in hospital for about two weeks afterwards.
I didn't get to go home from that training ride for 9 weeks!!
This year's London Marathon was a challenging target on my long road to recovery, I've improved a lot since my feeble first attempt at running after returning home from hospital - and I'm humbled that my running the race will help others too.
Of course our health system is state funded, but that doesn't provide all the funds that are needed for special pieces of equipment. My hope is that nobody else, especially those of us out training, will ever need the services of the ICU.
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: King’s College Hospital Charity 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.
If you haven't already, please sponsor me now!
Many thanks for your support.
Carpe Diem.
PS That photo is me suffering in the last few yards to the finish
