Thanks so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Yes, I know - like my 16 fellow participants in 2015 and those who've gone before us, I have to be slightly mad to be doing this.  (My wife would put it stronger than that!)  A full marathon, for ten consecutive days (May 8-17) around Lake Windermere, one of the hilliest courses in the country, is certainly extreme.  Even for someone who enjoys running and a certain level of challenge.

So why, you may ask, have I  got myself into this?!  Well, for three main reasons.  First, and most importantly, to raise money for a fabulous charity, Brathay Trust, that's helping over 6,000 vulnerable and 'hard to reach' children and young people each year to improve their life chances.  I've visited Brathay myself to find out more about this work and it's truly inspiring.  Do visit its website if you'd like to learn more.  The 10in10 (and annual Windermere Marathon that coincides with the last day of the 10in10) are among the charity's main fundraising events, so this is my - and your - chance to help raise some significant funds and make a real, practical difference to young people's lives.     

The second thing that attracted me to the 10in10 was reading the blogs and watching the regular update videos posted by the runners over the last two years.  It's evident that by going though this kind of experience together many lasting bonds and friendships are forged - indeed, only by full supporting each other will we ever get through it.   There's just a unique buzz and camararderie surrounding the whole event - and I'm really looking forward to being part of that. 

And thirdly,  I was looking for a new challenge that was going to stretch me not only physically but mentally too.  I've run marathons before (though not for many years: I'm building the training miles now to get back in the habit!) but 262 miles in 10 days is is on a whole new level.  I'm just intrigued to discover how body and mind cope (or don't) with the range of emotions and, let's face it, the sheer pain we're all heading for.  The 10in10 would probably make a fascinating study for some sadistic PhD student/thesis ... 'The Hothouse of Pain' - I can see it now!

Anyway, even if I have to crawl across the line each day, I'm determined to get there. 

So please - be as generous as you can.  Help me achieve the most important target of all: £10,000 for Brathay and all the young people it will inspire through their own life-changing experiences.   You will be helping them directly to build the self-esteem, skills and confidence they need to flourish and turn their lives around.

And you'll certainly be helping me next May.  Knowing I'm running each day for another £1,000 will be keep me going when the worst moments come ...

Thank you all !!

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