I DID IT!!!! See below.
I have been a GP in Neston for nearly 11 years. St John's Hospice gives a huge amount of support to Neston and the surrounding area. Not only does it provide a peaceful and protective place for people to spend their final days or weeks, but the staff there are hugely helpful in helping to control the symptoms of terminally ill patients at home. GPs from my practice frequently seek advice of the staff there to help us gain control of multiple symptoms.
I have been wanting to to a charity event for some years in aid of St John's. Being sporty, I felt I needed to find an event thet was not "run of the mill" for me, but an event that would be a real challenge. Hence the possibly crazy decision to do my 1st marathon on a course that many considered by mant to be the toughest in Europe. Not only have I been plodding for many a long mile around the Wirral, but have had to take trips to Snowdonia to find some hills a little larger than "Thurstaston mountain". I often take my Cocker Spaniel Toby with me who could run all day - but can get rather distracted if he sees any bird, rabbit, puddle, cat etc etc...
The route circles Snowdon, and involves 3 tough climbs - the worst of these being at 21 miles, and appropriately named "The Welsh Wall". This is followed by an 11.5% descent into Llanberis - I may need to lie down and roll down this.
I would be delighted if I was able to make a significant contribution to St John's Hospice - many thanks for all the support I receive.
Jeremy
Well it's done - and I have the slate coaster to prove it, although the certificate (made of sheep poo paper appropriately) will follow in the post, whenever that may be. What a day. The weather was true Snowdonia weather. The rain was drenching, and even before the start I was completely soaked. The gusts of wind blew me across the road, and in the final section, off the track. It felt like running against a bungee (except when it was on my back, then I didn't moan at all). After the horizontal rain of the first hour, thankfully it stopped.
The final hill was an absolute killer. but once at the top, I got a resurgence of energy and bounced down the 11.5% very slippy descent, only to find a slight twist in the tale with a loop around Llanberis including another small but tough hill. Seeing family and friends at the finish was amazing.
Finished in 3:55:00, so absolutely delighted to break the 4 hour mark.
Thanks to everyone for your support.
