Rev'd John - on Thursday 30 September - started out on number 6 marathon (the challenge to complete 8 marathons July- Sept). He got through to the 16 mile mark, then his right knee screamed out 'Enough!' It all happened really quickly - after the successful completion of the previous 5 - the body made the decision - with no possibility of any argument!! Rev'd John's first was completed on 5 July, three months later number 6 was so nearly done - but the Challenge has been completed with help from fantastic friends at Netley Marsh Infant School - Saturday 25 September an amazing Relay Marathon (by staff members and mums and dads) was completed, then on Wednesday 29 Sept all the children from the 3 classes along with early morning parents/grandparents completed a total of 44 miles running, walking, jumping, jogging! So with this last bit of help - a total of 8 marathons have been completed - with 8 miles extra done!

John has been doing this as part of the 'Netley Marsh Big Challenge' - where as a community we are looking to raise funds for the urgent Restoration work needed for the church building.

We are raising funds to replace our current church floor (which is rotting - so requires replacement!) with a composite natural stone flooring with integral under-floor heating. The Restoration Project will also include the re-decoration of the interior of the church and a much needed lighting system update.

Be really great if you can support John - we are currently submitting grant applications to go some way to the total target of £380K. Any donations you can make - whatever the size - will be fantastic . One way or another we'll get the job done!