Many thanks for your continuing generosity and support. Having reached my original fundraising target of £1350,  thanks to all of you who have been so generous in helping me past my stretch target of £1500. I'm sure the funds will be well used by Katharine House Hospice.

25.4.10 The big day has finally arrived, been and gone. The best bit, as always, is hearing the inspiring personal stories of individuals after the race, and witnessing the carnival atmosphere of the fantastic crowds.

I cut it pretty fine, getting to the start line with only a couple of minutes to spare. First half of the race went to plan, and was going well to about 15 miles. Then had some thigh pain, and found the Isle of Dogs pretty humid (wiggly bit with no wind). I found 18-22 miles fairly tough going, and was looking down the barrel of a 3:50. However, I managed to find something over the last few miles to come home in 3:44:05, 6 seconds slower than 2007.

I also enjoyed "Run fat boy run" the other day on the TV, though I hope that there are no sprained ankles. It was great to meet up with some others raising money for Katharine House at the week-end. Some real whippets among them. Nice to run into Kevin on the Chase the other day too, fresh from raising over £5k for Katharine House with his recent round-the-world motorbike ride. Well done Kev!

The final long runs are now over (Milford 21, then 22 miles along the Loire past Savenniere with its beautiful vineyards, then 18 on Cannock Chase). A little tiddler last Thursday of 12 miles, and a few shorter ones to keep me in shape.

I am running my 3rd London Marathon to raise money for Katharine House Hospice, a hospice based in Stafford that does excellent work in supporting patients and their families through that most difficult of times, terminal care. Unfortunately, such services in the UK are almost entirely run through charitable funding.

I had personal experience of the wonderful work they do when one of my neighbours died a few years ago. They provided immense support and comfort at a most challenging time. I am also aware of the wonderful work that similar institutions do in other places.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

I know how difficult things are right now financially, but I would be very grateful if you could dig deep and donate to whatever extent you are able.

Many thanks.