On April 13th 2008, Team Ironmongery Direct will be running in the Flora London Marathon on behalf of H.E.A.R.T. UK. Our seven strong team consists of Chris Bass, Glen Cattermole, Paul White, Ben Green, Chris Clayton, Marc Steel and Alex Smith. As many as 15% of employees at Ironmongery Direct have been either affected or know somebody who has been affected by cholesterol or cardiovascular diseases. We are all keen to show our support to H.E.A.R.T. UK for they great work they do as a charity. Chris Bass had high cholesterol, the biggest cause of heart attacks. He now controls this to acceptable levels through diet and exercise; and as a result is now 8 ¼ stone lighter than he was at end 2005 Ben Green agreed to run the marathon after finishing a 10k race with a group from IDL; he was still on a high after finishing and was persuaded that he could do it by the convincing argument ‘it’s just down to training’….(obvious really, the subject of how much training never came up at the time!).For Ben this will be a fantastic achievement because as a child of 4, he had major heart surgery to repair a valve and 4 holes in my heart, without the operation he wouldn’t be alive today. He realises now what a big decision it must have been for my parents as he has a daughter of 3 ½, and to have to make a life or death choice for someone of that age must have been almost impossible. He is really pleased we are running to raise money for H.E.A.R.Twho do such great work it is definitely keeping him motivated, for him it is an opportunity to give something back, and of course he hopes to make his family proud. Paul White would love to say that running the marathon has been a dream of his and he relishes the challenge but this is not the case as he has never run more than a few miles before. The truth is, it was a moment of madness where he said the wonderful word 'yes' after deciding that running the marathon must be on the list of things to do before you are 30! However, through training he has come to realise that this is a point in his life to become fitter and healthier for the benefit of a charity close to his heart. For those who know Paul well, you will understand the relationship to him of running the marathon on behalf of Heart UK. Marc Steel is running the marathon on behalf of his grandparents who have suffered from numerous ailments in the past few years. Marc has always been a keen sportsman but has never been faced with a challenge like the marathon. The motivation of making money for such a great charity is a fantastic inspiration to train! Chris Clayton like Paul White said ‘yes’ in a moment of madness to running the London marathon, but seeing as he has past the 30 marker it is now on his list of things to do before your 40!. He has realized through his training what a serious undertaking and commitment it is but also what an achievement it will be to cross the finishing line. Chris says “It’s great to be given the chance to give something back to all those that helped him with his father when he was ill and to help all those that will benefit from the great work done by H.E.A.R.T.. “ The thought of putting a smile on some ones face is enough motivation for him to reach the finish line Glen Cattermole has had high cholesterol himself and in October 2005, joined the David Lloyd gym in an effort to improve his health. As a result of his keep fit regime, he was able to do the 3 peak challenge inYorkshirein 2006 and 2007, and reached the finish line both times in under nine hours. He supported the IDL Team from the side lines at the 10K run in Southend last year, and also got caught up in the euphoria of the moment. His training is gym based, and going well. The blisters are alternating between feet, but now he has invested in some running socks, he is hopeful these will not reoccur, although he may end up wearing odd running shoes on the day!
He is pleased to be running his first marathon for H.E.A.R.T and is looking forward to the challenge.
Alex Smith applied to run in the marathon for the past three years but did not gain a place. He is pleased to be fulfilling his ambition of running in the race this year and was the ring leader in getting Team Ironmongery Direct together. After recovering from more than his fair share illnesses and injuries during the training period he is now looking forward to the challenge and proving to himself that he can do it! Several of Alex’s family have been affected by cardiovascular disease and he sees Heart as an excellent charity to raise money for. So please help us by donating as much as you can to raise money for HEART UK. If you would prefer to donate by cheque please make payable to HEART UK and post to Ironmongery Direct, FAO Chris Bass, Units 2-4 Eldon Way, Hockley, Essex, SS5 4AD. Many Thanks,
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