*** UPDATE 29/04/09: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!! ***
Made it round in 2hrs 48mins!!!
A huge "thank you" to all my sponsors and supporters on the day for making it a much more enjoyable experience than I could have imagined. Rather disturbingly, I am already finding myself thinking about taking part next year but hopefully this will wear off once I come back down to earth!
Thank you again for helping us to raise so much money for the Karen Morris Memorial Trust.
"You can shoot me if you see me in a boat again" - Steve Redgrave, five-time Olympic rowing gold medallist, speaking in 1996 shortly after winning his fourth gold medal in Atlanta. Four years later he was back in the boat, winning gold in Sydney.
"I'm never, ever running another marathon" - David Peters, April 2006, after hobbling over the line to complete his first - and to date, only - marathon. Three years later, he is back for more punishment.
In keeping with the traditions of true Olympic champions who eat their words, I have decided to have another crack at the London marathon in 2009. This time round, I will be raising money for the Karen Morris Memorial Trust. Karen was a friend of mine who passed away in 1998 at the age of 23, just a year after being diagnosed with leukaemia.
Her mother, Sylvia, set up the KMMT in her memory to provide facilities for leukaemia patients and their families. The Trust has already provided funding for part-time complementary therapists at the Royal Free Hospital, London and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. In addition, the first Karen's Homes from Home have opened at Hammersmith Hospital, London. These provide self-contained accommodation, where families can be close to their loved one during periods of extended hospital treatment.
Little Britain's Matt Lucas is Patron of the KMMT, and in 2004 Matt appeared on Celebrity Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, winning £62,500 for the KMMT.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: the Karen Morris Memorial 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.
Many thanks in advance for your generosity during these credit-crunched times.
David
