Update - I am struggling with my health, and was unable to race at the Ironman on August 2nd.  However, I was successful at finishing London Marathon, and have now been invited by Medtronic to race at Twin Cities Marathon (in the USA) in October. As always....down but not out!

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online. I have now completed London Marathon and am working towards Twin Cities Marathon in October.  I'm working hard and really appreciate your support!

I am a congenital heart patient (ie I was born with a heart condtion).  I have had two open heart surgeries, one when I was a child and another in 2005 to replace a faulty heart valve.  I am also a keen amateur athlete, and in 2009 aim to compete in a special double endurance sports challenge; firstly the London Marathon on April 26th, and secondly Twin Cities Marathon on October 4th. It has been a long-term ambition of mine to compete more marathons post surgery, and although I know the training will be hard, it will be worth it to finally cross the line! London Marathon did not go entirely to plan, and I am training hard to hopefully do better in October. To see details of my progress, please visit my web page http://www.merlinfitness.com/ where there is the opportunity to follow my training log, and ask me questions.

I will also be competing in a number of shorter races along the way, the main ones being Indian Queens half marathons and the Great North Run. I hope that seeing my journey will inspire people to get out there and exercise - its great for the body and the mind.  If I can do it, then anyone can! 

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Grown Up Congenital Heart Patients Association will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.