After 1 hour 51 minutes 22 seconds Enid (my inflatable female torso) looked as fresh as she did the moment she was first inflated! I on the other hand, was completely knackered. She did me so proud and brought lots of smiles, laughs and complements from the public and fellow runners. It was great to see familiar faces in Bath and the brilliant support from the crowd made it a unique but surreal experience. There were loads of people all running for really worthwhile causes and it was great to share in the day. Shouts of support included: "Run weird man!", "oi -leave that old woman alone!", "Go.... man.... baby... granny.... thing...!!" We did seem to get snapped quite a few times so keep your eyes on this webpage over the next few days for a triumphant finishing line photo!

Through everyone's kind generosity, with paper sponsorship forms, we're teetering just under the ambitious £300 target! If you would still like to support Connect (www.UKConnect.org) or my efforts running in a (very) thin dress on a cold, wet and windy day... then please do so here. A massive thank you so much for helping; Connect is a very worthwhile charity that is certainly appreciative of your support.

So once again, a sincere and massive thanks to everyone! You've been completely brilliant.

Darren

PS: I fear normal running on my own will just feel too lonely from now on.


On Sunday March the 16th I shall no doubt be finally realising that fancy dress costumes make REALLY poor sportswear as I attempt the Bath half marathon on behalf of UKConnect.

UKConnect works with people that have aphasia following generally a stroke or head injury. Aphasia is when the part of the brain that deals with communication is damaged; and although your thought process may be absolutely fine you really struggle to understand or find the words to express yourself. UKConnect not only helps people deal with their aphasia, supporting them so that they can gain confidence in communicating and being actively involved with society again, but also targets the awareness of carers and the public in general. Please do have a look at www.UKConnect.org or their impact report to see how aphasia affects people and how UKConnect tries to help.

After the incredibly generosity and warm reception of everyone last year I thought it would be only right to aim for bigger and better things... that is why I shall be running this year's 13.1 miles not for one... but two... -having been wearing her (Enid) around the home over the last few weeks; I've grown quite attached and feel confident that by working together and with each other's support there's no mile marker that we cannot pass!

UKConnect aren't a massive charity but their work can make a real difference to people who have incurred such an abrupt change in their life. If through this vehicle of a generation spanning, cross-dressing, inflatable sporting endeavor you would like to support them then this very feat is possible through sponsoring me. I, and those that would benefit from your generosity, would be greatly appreciative.

Additionally if anyone finds themselves in the area of Bath on the 16th - any words of advice (I've never run in a skirt or strapped to an inflatable torso before... -honest), support, heckles etc are all very much welcome and appreciated.

A sincere and massive thanks to everybody,

Darren