Monday 2nd Ocotber 2006

I DID IT!!! Yes i finished the race in one piece and i'm now taking a well earned rest.

The run itself was much harder than i had anticipated, largely due to the heat on the day. I had trained well and felt pretty good for the first 4 miles or so but soon after that really began to struggle. When my foot and knees then began to complain, i thought i may end up having to take the wimps bus for the last few miles. As it turned out, with a little walking, some refreshments from the fanatasic supporters that lined the way, and the motivation of not letting all you sponsors down, I did manage to drag myself to the finish line, and i even managed to run (well stagger) the last couple of miles!

My time - well a disappointing 2hrs 16mins 54secs. I was hoping for 2 hours but that wasn't to be - I'll just have to keep training and try again next year!

As for the money - well that's just going fantastically well. The 2 hours on Picadilly station pulled in £159.91 which was great, and sponsors and pledges continue to come in. Thank You All! Remember, its not too late to donate - this page will remain active for another 8 weeks so please pass details on to others who may wish to sponsor me.

I will further update this page when i get more time, but just wanted to bring you all up to date.

Thanks again.

dan

From The Oldham Chronicle: Wednesday 23rd August 2006

A SHAW nurse is bidding to complete the Great North Run in memory of his father, who lost his life through manic depression.

Dan Redfearn is taking on the 13.1-mile challenge this October to raise awareness about mental illness and collect money for mental health charity MIND.

His father Michael was 61 when he took an overdose and died at Christmas, having suffered from manic depression since his teens.

Dan, a community learning disability nurse with Oldham Primary Care Trust, and his brother, David, decided to compete in the Newcastle half-marathon in tribute and to help cope with the traumatic death.

The 31-year-old said: “These months following my dad’s death have been very tough, but I felt the marathon would give me a positive focus, so I’m not only doing something in his memory but also helping to increase people’s understanding of mental health.

“Mental health problems can affect anyone and they can be devastating for people who are affected and people close to them.”

He has been running up to 10 miles, three-times-a-week, in preparation.

MIND provides sufferers of mental health problems with help and information, while campaigning for changes to treatment.

One in four people will experience a mental health problem in their lives, with 250,000 people being admitted to psychiatric hospitals each year and another 4,000 taking their own lives.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Mind The Mental Health Charity 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.

Dan