I made the decision a few months ago to run the brighton marathon. I first and foremost made this decision purely with a view to getting fit and so signing up for the brighton marathon would give me the focus i needed to do so. With this in mind and my belief that if you're going to do something , then best to do it with guile and good intent. I therefore intend to run the distance on behalf of the disabled charity 'Scope'. Fortunately for myself i have had no personal/direct experience with the problems faced by people who this charity is intended to help, however it is difficult not to feel sympathy and the up most respect for people who endure this torment on a day to day basis. I cannot imagine for a second how it must feel not to have the use of my legs or any other part of my body for that matter.

Heres a little story that helps me along the way: At least twice a week i run from home, around victoria park (twice) in east london and back again. At least once at some point thoughout each run i pass someone in a wheelchair (usually to the end of my routine). I am instantly struck with the sadness that these people are unable to use their body to its full potential, this sadness is then followed by guilt driven by the fact that perhaps i take my physical benefits for granted and that maybe i dont have the right to be inwardly moaning about the pain that my fitteness reigime inflicts upon me on each and every outing. It is this realisation that has on occasions inspired me to do another lap of the park and push myself that little bit harder.

It is my intention to take this inspiration into the marathon with me and raise some money for those less fortunate than myself in the process.

Love and hugs

Cris x