Firstly, thank you so much for visiting my Just Giving page.  

I wanted to do something a bit different this year so I have chosen to run a series of marathons in April 2015 to help raise much needed funds for St. Richard's Hospice in Worcester.  Seeing that I have never even completed a half marathon and until a couple of months ago considered myself as more of a short distance sprinter than a long distance endurance runner, these events will be very challenging to say the least.

My challenge will start on the 3^rd April when I take part in the Dead Sea Ultra marathon in Jordan running to the lowest point on earth.  A week later I will take part in the Worcester (my home town) marathon together with a couple of friends who will hopefully keep me going along the way.  A week later, I will head up north to compete in the Manchester marathon.  The week after that, I will take part in the London Marathon as part of the St. Richard’s team with the series of challenges finally finishing a week later with the furthest and arguably the most difficult marathon of all, an Ultra marathon around the undulating Malvern Hills in Worcestershire. 

I have done the maths for you and these efforts amount to 182 miles. 

I am taking part in what I am sure will be at times a pretty awful experience because of one reason.

In July 2014, following a long battle with Pancreatic Cancer, my father unfortunately passed away.  During his last months, I was able to witness the amazing support he received from St. Richard’s Hospice, through not only nursing assistance but also psychological and pastoral support for both him and our family.  The support he and the family received both during and post his battle was immense and looking back I know that because of the great work that St Richard’s did, my father was able to have the best care possible when he needed it the most, and was able to continue moving around and enjoying life until his final few weeks.

Thanks again for not only visiting this page but taking the time to read this short passage and I hope that you will agree that all of the effort is for a very worthwhile cause.

Many Thanks

Luke.