<p>So about 3 months ago Barney asked me if I wanted to run a 50 mile race! The answer was obvious and came out without hesitation...YES!</p> <p>It didnt occur to me that it would be hard; I actually enjoy running so in theory it should be fun! Therefore the concept of asking for sponsorship had been discussed, and rejected...it would be like George Best asking to be sponsored to go to the pub and have a few drinks!!</p> <p>How stupid and niave could I be?!</p> <p>Then began the training began, and the fact that this was actually going to rule my life until the day it was done, became evermore apparent. And when, after running 19miles for the first time, I got home, fell through the door and onto the sofa with pain shooting through my left foot, right knee and both hips, not only did I realise that I was too old for this sh*t! But this was actually like asking George Best to go the pub and drink every bit of alcohol in the building!! Also that this saturday, Barney and I were about to push our minds and bodies to a level not experienced before or likely to be experienced again! And it was then that I thought, 'if Im ever going to ask for sponsorship for anything...this is going to be it!'</p> <p>This race is the 'Thames Trot', on Feb 4th leaving Oxford at 8:30 in the morning and the route takes us all along the Thames to Reading and then onto Henley. We are expecting to be running continuously for approximately 9 hours, carrying with us whatever supplies we need. If this had been a work day, it is likely we would start running as most people left for work, and finish at a similar time to them getting home and putting the kettle on, having not stopped for anything except to refill our water packs!</p> <p>So, I promise this will be the only time I darken your doors asking for cash...as I can assure you...I will not be doing anything like this again! But this time, could you please spare a few pounds for Scannappeal. Scannappeal raises funds to purchase life-saving equipment, particularly for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients.</p> <p>We all know Cancer is a big killer and I can be sure that everyone reading this has had their lives effected by cancer in some way. So we would love to raise as much money as possible for this cause.</p> <p>Barney and I would like to thank you for any support you can give. Knowing that we have raised some money to help in the early diagnosis of cancer will make each one of the steps that much easier. But its still going to hurt like hell!!!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving &ndash; they&rsquo;ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they&rsquo;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&rsquo;s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</p>