We decided to do something for the Prince's Trust early this year, when we found out that we had a place on the Great North Run, I knew I was up against it! I haven't run for over 10 years, and I'm way out of shape. I've been working really hard for about 5 months now, trying to drag myself into enough shape to get round the course. The sweep-up time is 17 minutes per mile. This is actually quite scary, and trying to keep myself motivated enough to keep training is one of the hardest things I have ever done.
One of the things that really does motivate me, is when I get sponsored, please donate, even if it is a couple of quid, each time someone does donate, I get a big git of guilt and need to get to the gym.
**UPDATE** Race completed in 3h 22m 50s - Thankyou for your support!
I had the most incredible day! We left Preston at 5, and there was a
great atmosphere in Newcastle to greet us at the start.
The first mile went in no time flat,
I was walking uphill and running down. I got to 6 miles thinking "this is great,
I'm really enjoying my run, the Prince's Trust cheer squad gave me a big boost
at 6 miles but by mile 7 I was toast! My legs felt
like they were made of stone and I couldn't for the life of me break into a run.
Right on cue by the side of the road a local family was dishing out biscuits
that they had bought to the runners, I couldn't believe the generosity an
support from the people of Tyneside, what a great place! The well wishers and
supporters kept me going until mile 10 where again I was really struggling. A
runner for MS picked me up (not literally!) and cheered me through the Bupa
boost zone and past 10 miles.
The next 2 were a real challenge, everything was
hurting by now and it's all uphill too. As I crested the hill and saw the sea
and downhill I was so relieved, but getting to the bottom of hill, turning left
and seeing that I was only at 12 miles with an uphill mile still to go was
really hard. I trudged away and with 800m to go, 2 guys from Meningitis research
that I'd seen at the start gave me a huge cheer, which was enough to spill me
jogging over the last 200m. As soon as I crossed the line I was completely
overwhelmed. I simply could not believe what I had achieved and burst into
tears.
Once I had composed myself I managed to find out my time, I had run and
walked it in 3h22m50s and raised over £600. I reunited with the other Starbucks
runners and shared their stories too, we had such an incredible day
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Prince's Trust gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
So please sponsor me now!
Raised:
212%
Raised so far: £638.10
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From Matt Highton, Lyndsay Davies, Kath Smith. Thanks! Donation by David Jameson on 03/11/09 |
£65.00 + £18.33 Gift Aid |
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From The Sharkey Family Donation by David Jameson on 02/10/09 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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stone the crows, you did it! Donation by Anna Biggs on 28/09/09 |
£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid |
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Congratulations David, I hope you enjoyed the struggle :-) Cheers Ronald, Netherlands Donation by Ronald Klootwijk on 28/09/09 |
£5.00 |
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Offline donations: Anne Bailey, Darius, Stables, Kath Beatte, Bob & Maria, Zoe & James Donation by David Jameson on 24/09/09 |
£45.00 + £12.69 Gift Aid |
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You burst into tears after the finish line? You great big girl. I'm sure all the chavs are really grateful. x x Donation by Heather Atkins on 23/09/09 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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This is from Mags, my friend from work, who asked me to give you her best wishes and say 'well done'! Donation by Ann Alexander on 22/09/09 |
£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid |
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Huge hugs - soooo proud of you!! Well done - extra donation as promised Donation by Ann Alexander on 20/09/09 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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Good effort! Donation by Tom Broadbent on 20/09/09 |
£5.00 |
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Donation by Katie Briggs on 20/09/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Hope it's going well!! Donation by Gareth Bailey on 20/09/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Hope you enjoy every step of the 13.1 miles...or at least the thought of the finnish being a step closer! Well done xkm Donation by Katie May on 19/09/09 |
£13.10 + £3.69 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Sally ann Botten on 19/09/09 |
£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid |
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Good luck Dave!!! Donation by Lorraine Williams-Jones on 19/09/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Carol Brearley on 19/09/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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I will be old Trafford drinking beer and eating sandwiches for free. I willtry to think of you still running. Donation by John Baldacchino on 18/09/09 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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Good luck dude, have a caffeine bomb before and you'll be fine. Donation by Mike Ramsay on 17/09/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Have a great time Dave!! It be one to remember with all the thousands of other runners. Donation by Chi on 17/09/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Go Dave wooooooo wooooo Donation by jen & skymmy :-) on 14/09/09 |
£10.00 |
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Go Dave! Donation by Amanda Williams on 08/09/09 |
£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid |
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Good luck from me and Mr Stew! Donation by Nic Ulyatt on 07/09/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Stay safe - proud of you Donation by Ann Alexander on 04/09/09 |
£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid |
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Hope you get further than the Volvo. :o) Donation by Rebecca Chapman on 04/09/09 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Good luck Donation by Roo on 26/08/09 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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Good luck mate - very admirable! Mark, Caz and Izzy xx Donation by Caroline Daniel on 06/08/09 |
£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid |
| * Total raised online: | £638.10 |
|---|---|
| Offline donations: | £0.00 |
| Mobile donations: | £0.00 |
| Total Raised: | £638.10 |
| Gift Aid plus supplement: | £168.70 |
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Find out
how much it is and what we do for it.