Updated on Apr 29th 2012 at 8:58 AM from the JustGiving API

As we battle through torrential rain, you can follow us live here: http://runkeeper.com/user/Haigh/profile

<p>Jamie and I decided to run the first ever MK marathon over a few beers one evening. We felt that as born and bred MKers it's only fitting we should take part.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am sure we would have been joined in this insanity by my close friend Mark Stradling. But, devastatingly for all who knew him, Mark passed away six years ago aged just 26 from a sudden onset of acute Crohn's disease. As such, we would like to run this marathon and do something positive for other young people in memory of Mark.&nbsp;</p> <p>Rather than raise funds for the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nacc.org.uk/content/home.asp#top">Crohn's and Colitus</a>&nbsp;charity (which does great work) we would like to support a cause for which Mark was passionate about in life.</p> <p>He loved watersports, particularly sailing, and was fortunate enough to learn to sail on large boats whilst at University. Both University and sailing as part of a team did wonders for Mark's self-confidence. We feel he would have liked to support others to learn to sail and improve themselves too. So after looking round for a charity we discovered The Cirdan Trust. (Named after the boat builder in Lord of the Rings - very fitting!)&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://www.cirdansailing.com/">The Cirdan Trust</a>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">specialises in enabling groups of young people, particularly those who are socially, physically or mentally disadvantaged, to experience the challenge and adventure of life at sea on large sailing&nbsp;</span><strong><span style="font-family: Tahoma; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: #002ce2; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://www.cirdansailing.com/vessels/index.htm">vessels</a></span></span></strong></p> <p>We're not aiming for any world-record shattering times, or raising millions of pounds, we'd just like to finish in under 4.5 hours and make a small donation to a worthy charity in memory of a much missed friend.</p> <p>Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page,</p> <p>Paul and Jamie.</p> <p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving &ndash; they&rsquo;ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they&rsquo;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&rsquo;s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>