Story
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Thank you very much for taking the time to view our web page. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">On the 17th June 2007, myself and six of my colleagues PC John Schofield, PC Chris Naughton, PC John Williams, PC Caroline Dentith, and PS Richard Stonecliffe took part in the Comrades marathon in Durban, South Africa.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">The race itself started in Pietermaritzberg at 5.30am where all 12,000 competitors lined up in the town square with the chariots of fire music in the background. The South African national anthem was then sung, the cock crowed and the gun went off. It was an emotional moment as all the long hours training for the last eight months was finally about to be put to the test.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">The course itself was much hillier than any of us anticipated and the temperatures reached eighty degrees (not like uk winters!). Throughout the race we all received so much support from both the huge crowds and fellow runners who were more than happy to chat along the way.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">I will never forget the feeling of running into the cricket stadium in Durban at the finish and the noise of the crowd as we crossed the finish line. A champagne moment if ever there was one! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">As you can see from the photograph and the big smiles on our faces we all completed the course in under 12 hours and therefore were awarded our comrades medals.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">The finishing times were as follows:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Myself and Caroline; 9 hours 55 minutes</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Richard; 10 hours 1 minute</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">John Schofield and Chris; 10 hours 24 minutes</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">John Williams; 11 hours 25 minutes</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Barry; 11 hours and 46 minutes</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">On behalf of the team I </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">would like to thank everyone who has donated to Keech Cottage so far and everyone else who has supported us in our efforts.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Thanks again</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Mike Armstrong.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Arguably the greatest ultra marathon in the world where athletes come from all over the globe to conquer the 56 mile road race between the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban. (No, this is not a misprint it really is fifty six miles.) The race has to be completed in less than 12 hours, in order to qualify for a medal. For more information about the race, visit the web site </span><a href="http://www.comrades.com" target="mytarget"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">www.comrades.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Our team who are all keen runners, train on a regular basis to compete in various events throughout the year including the Snowdon seven peak challenge. This year we decided we needed something greater to strive for. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">We are completing this challenge to raise money for Keech Cottage Children's Hospice in Luton. We are hoping with your help to raise at least £10,000 for this worth while charity. </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><a href="http://www.pasque.org" target="mytarget">www.pasque.org</a> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">So please dig deep and support us in achieving our target. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure it is also the most efficient way of sponsoring us. Keech Cottage will receive your money faster and if you are a UK tax payer an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift and no cost to you. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Please email this page to anyone who you think will be interested in supporting us. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Many thanks for your help and support.<img src="../FCKeditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/teeth_smile.gif" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">PC Mike Armstrong. (no, not the trolley boy in Hot Fuzz!!)</span></p>