UPDATE

Yes, I ran it - all 26.2 miles - in 3 hours 41 minutes.  That's an average of just under 8 1/2 minutes per mile.  Not bad for someone who was 49 two days after the event!

Many thanks to everyone who's supported me.

Warmest wishes,

Eric

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This is my Dad, Norman. He has Alzheimer's Disease, a dreadful condition which alters the structure and chemistry of the brain, so that a victim's ability to remember, understand, communicate and reason gradually declines.

My Dad has lost his memory. He doesn't recognise his wife of more than 50 years; he doesn't know the daughter he doted on; he doesn't know who I am any more.

He can barely talk or walk now, and has needed constant care for the past few years.

Sadly, he's not alone. Some 3/4 of a million people in the UK are thought to suffer from Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia. For relatives and friends, it's a nightmare - the person they knew doesn't exist any more. The body is still there, but the person who inhabited it isn't - leading to what is termed a 'living bereavement' for those of us left to cope.

So I'm running my second marathon for Norman and all the other people who have to deal with Alzheimer's: families, friends, carers, advisors - maybe you too.

Please donate generously so that the Alzheimer's Society can continue to provide help and support to people like Norman and families like ours. Many thanks for your interest and support.

Eric

The official justgiving.com bit: Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: the Alzheimer's Society 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.