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I DID IT

What a great weekend. Cherries promoted yesterday and finished London Marathon today. Ran with friend Dave (Birdie) and we spurred each other on. Finishing time was 4 hours and 40 minutes. Weather was just right and crowds great. Gave us a lift to see people we know and also people we don't know who were shouting encouragement.

Thanks again for all the donations.

NEWS AHEAD OF THE BIG DAY

Just sorting out all the practical details. I'll be supporting the Mighty Cherries (AFC Bournemouth for those who don't know) away at Burton tomorrow, then driving down to Richmond overnight. Plenty of pasta to be eaten at Italian restaurant tomorrow night to load up the carbs.

On the day, the Alzheimer's Research vest is great colour to be seen - purple. Do look out for me on the TV if you're watching. Will be running with Dave Burgess, so can spur each other on.

I'll update everyone on how I get on.

Thanks for all the donations so far.

*** TRAINING UPDATE ***

Winding down the training now, after completing the last 10 mile run yesterday. Hope to be in good shape on the big day - it would be helpful if the weather is not as warm as it was yesterday!

I am looking forward to the task ahead and really appreciate the donations made so far and hopefully more to come.

THANKS EVERYONE. I'll let you know how I get on next Sunday - but if anyone wants to go and watch, they'll be guaranteed a good day out - it's a great atmosphere and the shouts of encouragement on the way round really do help.

*** TRAINING UPDATE ***

I am nearing the end of the 6 months training and the 4 month Marathon Planner. We completed 3 of the 4 longer runs so for and these consisted of 2 x 18m runs and 1 x 20m race, which I completed in 2hrs 56mins. I have got 1 x 20m run left and then we start to wind down the training in preparation for the big day.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Why I want to raise money for the Alzheimer's Research Trust

My gran was unfortunately diagnosed with Alzheimer's in Nov 2003.

We first started noticing it when she was still living on her own and she became very forgetful and suffered from short term memory loss. As time went on, she deteriorated and she forget to turn the oven off etc and she became to ill to live on her own. She then moved into a normal rest home, but with time it became apparent that the care home wasn't able to look after her and after a fall and a spell in hospital she moved to a specialist care home called 'Reside', which is a couple of miles from the family home. We all visit her regularly with my mum visiting her once or twice a week. We all went to see her yesterday as a family as it was her birthday and it was nice to go together, but I found a bit upsetting because she has deteriorated since I last saw her. Even though she doesn't know who any of us are anymore, you can tell she appreciates the company and you can still make out the odd word.

I am really happy that I have been given the chance to run the London Marathon and raise money for such a worthy cause. I wouldn't want to do it with a charity that's not close to my heart as thinking of my gran will always spur me on when it gets tough and the training increases in distance.

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.

Any sponsorship money that you could spare would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Jon Annable

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