Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
For those of you who know me you will know that
A) Michael Whetstone was a good family friend of mine growing up
B) I believe in his choice of charity - Wooden Spoon - and want to help his donation whilst remembering his strength & courage, and
C) I do not do distance running!!
So why the London Marathon? After hearing of Michael's choice in charity I had a look on their website to see how I could maybe help raise awareness, or another way to raise funds to help what Michael had started. There was a link to the Special GOLD BOND PLACEs for people to run for Wooden Spoon in the 2010 marathon. I looked, but very quickly the voice in my head said "You'd never make it... dont even try!!" So the idea in my thoughts but my mind and will power not convinced I did nothing about it. On the 30th September 2009 I sat amongst many of you listening to the wonderful memories and inspiring words about Michael at his service. Michael, for many people, was a true gentleman. He was honest, well mannered, intellegent, strong, funny, beautiful and a leader in every sense. He was definately a man to be proud of and I feel priviledged to have shared so many experiences with him and the Whetstones. I described him to many as "like my Little Bro" for the link we shared through rugby and our families. I spent some wonderful times with Michael and I only hope that I have learnt from him some of his values and mannerisms. The resounding message that stayed with me from the 30th was his strength, courage and determination to achieve the goals and challenges he faced in life. Tales of how he carried and injured team mate on a run, not wanting to leave him behind. Additionally how he still got up and ran 10k despite being unwell, just emphasised his courage and mental strength. I wanted to follow in his footsteps and continue this message of mental strength and doing something for others.
So on the 25th April 2010 I will get up and run the London Marathon. I will do so for Wooden Spoon as a Gold Bond Runner. I will do it for myself to test my mental and physical strength to train and get me over that finish line. And finally and most importantly to me, I will do it for Michael. To try to use his strength, courage and bravery to get me through the next five months and that 26miles around London.
I never completed a 1500m run in school and at best I get through a 6k run these days, but prefer the short, sharp forms of running. I cant explain to you how much a marathon is a personal nightmare for me and previously something you couldnt have paid me to do. But not now. I am inspired to find my own strength. I aim to run the 26miles in 4hours 30minutes or less. This averages at 10min per mile - not that easy for 26 of them believe me!!
Wooden spoon have asked me to raise £2000, so I will need everybodies help in reaching this. Whether it be for me, Michael or the causes that Wooden spoon support please give generously and spread the word.
I will keep this page updated with pictures and videos of my suffering - sorry training! and hopefully you can see your donations going to a good cause off the back of an enormous personal challenge!!
Thank you.
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So please dig deep and donate now.
