Chelmsford (my home town) is hosting its first ever Marathon. Yes, that is the full 26.2 miles and Yes I am attempting to run it ! I'm not quick ... i'm a tall, slightly rounded centre back that kicks and growls at his opponents ! I am however looking to beat the 5 hour mark .... so no pressure !!!

In February 1989 (when i was 14) i had the polio vaccine like all kids do. Two months later I felt unwell and had to have time off school. After 6 months visiting the doctors and being told i had a virus, was suffering from stress etc I went to see Dr Dowsett at Billericay hospital. I ran through my symptoms and at the end of it she produced a one page document showing I had a polio virus that lead to ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

At the time there was little support and understanding of the illness, most reports referred to it as Yuppie Flu ! She said it would take 2 years to recover from ... and she was right. In September 1991, after 2 hard years I returned to college and got my qualifications.

I was lucky as life got back to normal and i enjoy all the things we take for granted.

I feel now is the time to give something back. Hopefully i can raise a few pounds to help children (and adults) who are in the same position I was at in April 1989.