UPDATE - 07/07/2010
There were mixed fortunes for Team Parsons at The London Marathon 2010. Simon demonstrated that his 'revolutionary beer and kebab' training regime could be effective, confounding sceptics by finishing his first marathon in 3hours 31minutes and 36seconds. In his post-race press conference for the world media he explained that his success was based on choosing precisely the right sort of isotonic beer and, of course, Kebabylon Sport's new low-fat, high-energy shawarma gel.
His dad fared less well - in fact, not well at all. Although I have, occasionally, missed the odd race through injury, I have never before missed a race because of a volcanic ash cloud. 'Sadly' I was stuck in a hotel in Lanzarote for a few extra days holiday and was unable to get a flight home in time for the run (I'm neither expecting nor getting any sympathy!)
'H' would have been very proud of his grandson's efforts in raising £1189.36 for The PSP Association. Oh and anyone who promised to donate and then forgot - it's still not too late to swell the coffers. I've put in for an entry, via the ballot, for next year's marathon in order to keep my side of the bargain and earn my share of the sponsorship.
Thanks again for your support. Andy Parsons.
Hello again everyone!
I'll be running the London Marathon, with my son Simon this time, on Sunday, April 25th, 2010 to raise more money for The Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) Association (http://www.pspeur.org).
In 2008 you helped me raise £774.87 and I finished in 4hours and 8minutes. This time I'm aiming to raise £1500 and break the 4hour barrier; I'll be helped towards my first target by Simon, who will also be running in memory of his grandad, 'H', and raising money for The PSP Association with me. As Simon is aiming to finish in under 3hours and 30minutes I probably won't be running with him for very long - though, as it's his first attempt at the distance, there is no convincing prior evidence to indicate that his revolutionary 'beer and kebab' training regime will actually deliver.
The PSP Association helped us to understand the condition and to support 'H' (my father-in-law) when he was suffering from the later stages of PSP. I learned about the invaluable work they do when I visited their offices in Towcester, earlier this year, to celebrate their 15th anniversary. On the same day my wife Karen and I attended a moving memorial service, in Towcester Church, for her dad and for others whose lives had been devastated by the condition.
I know that this will be just one amongst the many requests that deserving causes will make for your money. If you can spare a few quid to spur us on, though, then you can be assured that your cash will be used well by a professional outfit that is strongly committed to tackling this debilitating condition.
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to donate; The PSP Association will receive your money electronically and, if you have the unparalleled joy of being a UK tax payer, an extra 28% in Gift Aid will be added to your donation at no cost to you.
Cheers, Andy and Simon.
