Story
Thanks very much for visiting my fundraising page set up in order to raise money for the National Kidney Federation.
On October 12th 2008 I will be taking part in the Great Eastern Run, a half Marathon which takes place on the streets of Peterborough. I have been training for this event for 5 months now and am hoping to complete it in under 2 hours…
It was in the early hours of Sunday Feb 24th 2008 when in a weak moment I agreed ‘in principle’ to attempt a half marathon. Rachael and I had been enjoying an evening of good food and fine wine with our friends the Westbrooks when the conversation somehow turned to how best to raise money for charity. 2007 had proved very successful in this regard, I amassed a 4 figure sum on the back of a hastily arranged charity dog walk. This year I was looking for something a bit more taxing, something that would persuade the same people whom I’d been overwhelmed with their generosity in 2007, to part with their hard earned cash once more, but at the same time would not endanger my well-being too much (and would not involve clearing up after 4 legged animals).
In the cold light of day the suggestion was ludicrous. I had not ran since an impulsive entry into the 1988’s 6 mile Sport Aid run (I can still recall being physically unable to climb any stairs at the british museum on the next days school trip). My 11 year foray into weekend football had been overshadowed by a series of injuries which have become somewhat legendary in local and work circles (not your broken leg, ruptured cruciate ligament variety but the niggling ‘non-injuries’ such as shin-splints, lost toe nails, groin strains and twisted knees etc). My body was never going to cope with the physical exertion required to run for 2 hours or more on our nation’s unforgiving road surfaces. My initial training runs appeared to back this up. However a visit to the doctor for a troublesome back was met with a response which roughly translated as ‘Running is good for you. Don’t stop running. Stop being such a pansy’. With those words ringing in my ears I haven’t looked back.
Dave Westbrook and I still get to enjoy each others company in the early hours on Sunday mornings. No longer is it to evaluate the merits of the Badger brewery output or the like, but to set off diligently at 7.30am into the north Cambridgeshire countryside in an attempt to avoid physical meltdown on the day itself (Dave is also running and raising funds for the NKF). I’ve learnt many things from Dave during this training regime, and am now suitably versed in topics are far ranging as seasonal allotment process variations, Chelsea Football Club circa ’82-86 and Royal Mail legal procedures. I’m afraid to say this has been a largely one-way education process, I rarely have enough oxygen in my lungs in order to converse coherently.
Now onto the important bit…
The National Kidney Federation is a charity very close to my wife and I’s heart. Having lost my sister-in-law Gerry to kidney disease in 2007, we’d like in this small way to continue the support she gave them during her lifetime.
The NKF is the onlycharity run by kidney patients for kidney patients. Its aim is to promote, throughout the United Kingdom, the best renal medical practice and treatment, for the health of people suffering from kidney disease or renal failure, and to support the related needs of those relatives and friends who care for kidney patients.
You can find a lot more information about the National Kidney Federation and the good work that they do on their website at www.kidney.org.uk.
My employer – The Royal Bank of Scotland – run a ‘community cashback’ scheme whereby I can approach them to match any contributions at levels of £100, £250 and £500. Therefore any contributions however small make a difference and are greatly appreciated.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: National Kidney Federation 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.
Finally, I'd like to thank you once again for taking the time to look at this fundraising page and for any offer of support you are able to give. I hope to be in suitable shape to stand my round in the Dragon pub in Peterborough in the afternoon after the event itself. Anyone who is able to make it for a jar or two will be most welcome!
Gordon Pennington.