After 13 weeks of training in sun, wind, rain and snow I successfully completed the Flora London Marathon in 4 hours 3minutes and 38 seconds. It was an unbelievable experience which i will never ever forget and can only say I can't wait for next year. I am now in the process of collecting in all my sponsorship money and would like to thank each and everyone of you who has sponsored me in raising money for Saint Francis Hospice (reg. charity no. 275913).

Some of you are already aware of why I should put myself through this and in particular for a Cancer charity but for those who are not, my girlfriend Clare has been battling with cancer since 2001 and recently passed away on 3rd February 2008. Clare was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 and the cancer quickly spread to the bones in her spine and pelvis and in 2006 small tumours were found on her brain for which she immediately underwent radiotherapy to reduce these tumours and control further spread. In February 2007 she had a half-hip replacement as the cancer had crumbled the ball joint in her right-hip. Most recently though in November 2007 following a number of tests and scans a tumour was found on her spine and had to be removed immediately to give her any chance of walking again. The operation was a success in the fact that enough of the tumour was removed to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord but the remainder would need to be treated by a course of radiotherapy, which followed shortly. She was then moved to our local Saint Francis Hospice where after several weeks of quality care and comfort she lost her brave fight against this terrible disease. During the last six years when she was first diagnosed and her final weeks, Saint Francis Hospice have been unbelievable in caring and making my Clare as pain free as possible especially in her final days, the doctors, volunteers but especially the nurses deserve medals for all the work that they do and myself and Clare's family are truely grateful.

Compared to what Clare has had to put up with over the last 6 years the idea of me running a marathon should be a walk in the park. So I am firstly doing this for her because i am so proud of her and will never ever forget such a wonderful and proud women and secondly to raise as much money as I can for a charity that is dear to us all.

I hope to raise at least £4000 all of which will benefit Saint Francis Hospice and I hope that you will consider sponsoring me in my challenge so that I can help Saint Francis Hospice lessen the challenge that UK cancer patients face each day.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Saint Francis Hospice 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 dig deep and sponsor me NOW!!!
 
Many thanks and kind regards

Daren

Special thanks to Paul Moody for a donation of £200.00

Special thanks to EPR Architects Ltd for a donation of £150.00

Special thanks to Rod Fox of Direct Access for a donation of £100.00