Hello my name is Martin and I am attempting to run the London Marathon in 2009. I have managed to run the London Marathon twice before in 2003 and 2007 but this will be my hardest yet as my body is getting older and more crocked by the day. I am not a natural runner, infact when i  saw they had made a film called "Run fat boy run" i thought it was about me. Your help in supporting me in raising money for this cause is what will spur me on over the cold winter months training.

I am running for the British Heart Foundation as in 2007 my Dad John had a heart attack and needed a heart bypass operation, thanks to the work over the years of BHF this operation is possible, my Dad is now fully recovered.

A few sobering facts

* Heart disease can effect anyone at any age, in fact 8 out of 1000 babies are born with some sort of heart defect.

* Heart disease effect women as well as men, 1 in 3 women who will die this week will be killed by heart and circulatory disease.

Some vital facts and figures

• There are over 400 BHF Heart Nurses caring for patients across the UK.
• Over 1,620 Heartstart UK schemes teach people what to do in an emergency. More than 1.2 million people have been trained by Heartstart UK in schools and the community.
• The BHF invests over £100 a minute on research to keep the nation's hearts healthy.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: British Heart Foundation 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!

If you feel you can support my challenge in any other way please email me at hopkins699@aol.com

Martin

***TRAINING UPDATE***

10.10.08 Training was going ok, planning to run a 10k in Leeds next month. Have now developed my old shin splints problem and this has left me in pain, feeling a bit down about it but i wil get there.

06.01.09 Training is now in full swing, just had 10 days off due to a slight ankle injury but now up to about 18-20 miles a week. The hard mileage starts now over the next few months and the challenge of raising money.

23.01.09 The last month has been tough due to injury and illness, but now it is time for the hard mileage, just wish it wasn't so bloody cold!!

7.2.09 This week has been badly affected by snow/ice but depsite this have manged to do 10 miles long runs last weekend and this. Legs/knees really starting to ache, hopefully we will have a freak heat wave soon, what happened to global warming?

21.2.09 The miles really starting to hurt now, did a 12 mile run today and the legs are really starting to hurt

14.03.09 6 weeks to go now and really starting to get nervous, running a half marathon at the world famous Silverstone race track this weekend, now if only i could beat Lewis Hamilton's lap record

22.3.9 - 1/2 marathon last week and a 14 mile training run today and the miles are really starting to hurt now, scary thought after finishing 14 mile run today is at the marathon i would still have 12 miles to go!!!

29.3.09 - This training lark is hard but today was unbelievable, was half way through a 16 mile run when a dog ran down a drive and attacked me. Bit me on my hand and knee, blood everywhere and had to go to casualty. Sat here with a swollen and sore knee really pissed off, that dog is not going to stop me running the marathon. Things you have to do for charity!!

5.4.9 Last long run today, 18 miles and boy did that hurt. 21 days to go now, starting to feel nervous.

11.4.09 Did a nice gentle 8 mile today, time to take it easy over the next two weeks ready for the big day.

20.4.9 - Only 6 days to go now (Oh my god!!!), training now over just need to chill for the big day. Just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me it really does help.

28.4.09 - I did it, it was bloody hot but i did it. Finished in a time of 4 hours 59 mins and 53 secs, put in sprint finish down the mall to dip under 5 hours. Was a great day, the crowds were amazing and all my friends and family texting/calling me throughout the race kept me going.

Thanks to everyone who has sponsored me, please now pay up!! If you havn't spsonsored me it's not too late you can do it via this website now.

Thanks Martin