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This marathon run started off as a personal challenge, the fact that even though always being a runner I had never run a marathon. Training is going well, I suffer from very bad shin splints which limit the days I can run but I have been averaging 3-4 runs per week and am up to 18 miles in training. The point of this information is purely for one reason, I want you to know when you sponsor me I will complete this. The main reason I will complete this though is not for me, it is no longer just a personal challenge, it is for my chosen charity, The SMA Trust, Funding Research into Spinal Muscular Atrophy and dedicated to Freddie Sheffield, a 13 year old who suffers from this devastating and life inhibiting condition. So why The SMA Trust? i do believe charity starts up home and when a friend of ours introduced me to her nephew Freddie Sheffield, who suffers from SMA I was hooked, mainly because of what an amazing person he is, aged 13, but having been diagnosed with SMA at 18 months. When I investigated further it amazed me how many people do suffer and how, at this stage, there is no cure. SMA is a serious genetic muscle wasting disease that affects thousands of people in the UK and abroad, of all ages, races and backgrounds. In more severe cases of SMA, children do not survive past their second birthday. Freddie has been confined to a wheelchair since he was 18 months old and relies on other people in everything he does. He has recently undergone major spinal surgery to help with his physical disability and he is gradually losing the capacity to perform simple physical tasks. However, despite his own difficulties, he is very bright and positive about helping others with SMA. Freddie himself, with some family and friends just completed a demanding 100 mile exhibition by wheelchair from the west coast to the east coast of England, along Hadrian's Wall in Northumbria. I will finish with that thought, if he can do that, the least I can do is run a marathon but the least we can all do is help raise the money to find a cure for people like Freddie. I understand how many times you are asked to give to fund raising challenges, this is my 1st time of asking so please give generously but within your means. For more information on The SMA Trust please visit <a href="http://www.smatrust.org">www.smatrust.org</a> or <a href="http://www.madchallenge.org">www.madchallenge.org</a> Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. 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. Thank you, Paddy Bishopp

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