Update: Thanks so much to everyone for your donations, we've been really touched by your generosity.
I managed the marathon in a time of 4hrs 8mins which is a lot better than I ever hoped so I am really happy (although now thinking I should have pushed myself a bit harder!!). Hit a tough few miles in the latter stages but the thought of your sponsorship really helped spur me on (and the fact that I am just plain stubborn!). Couldn't have done it without my best friend Bella's company training together over the last few months, she managed it in 4hrs 53 mins which is an amazing achievement as a few weeks before couldn't even bend her knee due to injury (she is equally stubborn). I would definitely recommend Italy for pre marathon prep - the carb loading was fantastic (and it seems red wine doesn't do too much harm either!!)
Well done to Nessa for all her hard work over the summer months; you've done some great events and have achieved a huge amount.
Thanks all for your support.
Caroline x
Vanessa and her niece, Caroline, are asking you to support us big time as we use our Feet for F.R.O.D.O. (see photo and you'll know who is who!)
Vanessa's events are: London Duathlon in Richmond Park (5k run, 10k bike, 5k run) on 13th September; the Three Castles Halloween Bike Ride in Romania 30 October - 2 November; and a 10k somewhere in the UK when I'm aiming to finish in under 60 minutes.
Caroline is just doing the Florence Marathon in November. Easy peasy! Actually, this is her first Marathon and she is not only running but also training for her taekwondo black belt. She is looking forward to having a few days rest in Florence, just shame about the 26.2 miles at the end of the weekend!
We're using our Feet for F.R.O.D.O. because Vanessa, as Chief Executive of the charity, is passionate about the children we help and is therefore leading her fundraising team from the front.
F.R.O.D.O. is a small charity, but a big achiever. That's official because we've been shortlisted for a Third Sector Excellence Award in that category. Your support of us will give children with disabilities in Romania, who live in institutions or in vulnerable environments, hope that they can walk - or even just sit comfortably in a wheelchair.
Please give generously - we have 74 children waiting in Romania to have life-transforming treatment and another 18 in Albania.
Thank you from both of us.
The official blurb:.
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 - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
