Update:---   Well... that's it.  I did it.  My first marathon, the Preston Marathon... is done... and thanks to some really generous people, we've also raised over 300 pounds for Chase's appeal (described later, for those who don't know of it). This page will remain open for another 20 days, and if we can boost the total, it would be lovely.  Really, 2 pounds would make such a difference.

What a run it was. I had thought that 10 minutes per mile would be an achievement...  (about 4hr. 28min)... but just harboured a dream that the occasion would somehow lift me to the 4 hour barrier.

21 miles in, my average pace was good, but slowing to the point where, for the first time, I was behind schedule... I decided to just go for it... put everything in - realistically expecting that I'd fall to pieces somewhere along the way. But the months of training paid off and I just kept going and going, pushing and pushing... literally sprinting for the last 150yds as the finish line came into sight... but ended up with 4hr 00min 19seconds!  Still, I can honestly say that I wasn't disappointed. It's been funny.  And I was so elated at the finish, it's untrue.

 

Anyway, to the story:- 

There's a little girl in Monmouth called Chase, who Katy was at school with until July. She needs an operation that is not available on the Welsh NHS. Her cerebral palsy means that she walks on her toes, has stiffness in her legs, has poor balance and coordination. This means the effort of doing 'normal' things tires her too, which can be restrictive.  She wears splints on her legs every day and has to do daily physio to ensure her muscles are stretched.  Despite this she is a very happy, sociable little girl who is very determined.  She loves horse riding, swimming and playing tennis and is very active.  Katy says that when Chase came to the school Fairtrade Tuck Shop, she'd always try to be the one to serve her, because she was so nice and cute!

The fear is that Chase's condition will deteriorate over time. However, there is great hope that this operation will reduce the stiffness in her legs, and improve balance and coordination, so make her less tired... and able to be much more active.  The previously mentioned Helen Morgan justgiving page belongs to Chase's mum. You'll find more details there.

So... I'm a runner.... and for some time, I've wanted my running activities to raise some cash for local charities... and this is the one I've chosen to start with. It is being administered by a registered charity called 'the tree of hope' but they hold the donations in trust for Chase's operation.

So, l will do {update - have done} my FIRST ever marathon, in the Preston Guild Marathon (I was born and schooled in Preston... and Preston Guilds come round once every 20 years, so this is my last opportunity!) {update... I met a guy of 70 who'd just finished the marathon in 4hr 35min}.  Although I'd always run, until starting training, I had never done >10 miles. So, it was a bit of a step up.  

Just Giving say that they'll not sell or abuse any details you give... They will go to the trouble of collecting Gift Aid too, if you can declare that you are a registered UK tax payer. That adds a lot.

So it would be great if you could give me a bit of support please... and raise some cash to improve this little girl's life. 

Thanks a lot!  Dave