UPDATE: Well, in the end, it actually was nearly as ridiculous as rowing across an ocean - or at least nearly as painful.  A very hot day made for slower times than usual, and I suffered along with everybody else.  But the crowds were great and really kept me going, getting me over the finish line in 4:10:32.  Not as quick as I hoped, but I feel like I earned my medal.  And I beat Haile Gebrselassie...

Thank you all again for your kind donations, South Bucks RDA is hugely grateful and the £3000 or so (after Gift Aid etc) will make a big difference.

A bit of a rest for me now I think, but I'll be back to break that 4 hour mark!

Rich

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So, it's not as ridiculous as rowing across an ocean, but I've never been much of a runner, so believe me it's still a challenge!

I'll be hauling myself around the London Marathon this year, trying to break four hours, and raising money for the South Buckinghamshire Riding For The Disabled Association - www.southbucksrda.org

South Bucks is where my other half, Kate, rode in her teens, and where she still rides today.  The centre offers disabled children and adults an opportunity to ride in a safe environment, providing the opportunity to develop their self potential, despite their disability.  Having spent a little time at the centre, it's obvious that riding at the centre means an awful lot to its riders, and is immeasurably helpful to their confidence and self-esteem. 

South Bucks also operates as a centre of excellence for competitive riding, which is how Kate is now involved.  They've had numerous successes at every level, up to winning a Bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Paralympics, so it really does provide support at every level.

Unfortunately, keeping horses is a very expensive business and the Group receives no Government funding.  Please dig deep to sponsor me around my four hours of pain - every penny will go to a very worthy cause. 

Thanks in advance,

Rich