*UPDATE* Just finished with a time of 3 hours 52 minutes. Feet are rather sore but rest of my body in pretty good shape. A huge thank you to everyone that sponsored me so far and supported me during the training and the race itself. More news to come but now I just fancy a bath! Jim. ********************************************************************************* Hello. My name is Jim Scott and on 13th April I am running in the 2008 London Marathon to raise funds for the Henry Barnfield Fund, an umbrella group to the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust.

In February 2005, at the age of five, Henry Barnfield was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Very sadly I never had the chance to meet Henry but I know from his family that he coped incredibly bravely and faced his illness with typical spirit right up until he finally lost his battle ten months later on Christmas Day. As a parent myself it is difficult to comprehend exactly how Shirley and Barny, Henry's equally brave parents, have managed to cope with their loss. However I do know that their ongoing efforts to raise funds in Henry's memory for continued medical research in this field are incredibly important to them.

Henry's fund and the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust exist to find a cure for childhood and adult Brain Tumours through funding research and to offer support, hope and information to patients and their carers. The Charity has become the largest single funder of laboratory based brain tumour research in the United Kingdom.

In 2007 Shirley Barnfield completed the challenge of the London Marathon herself but owing to injury this year is unable to repeat the experience (or so she tells me!) and I am delighted to be able to take her place. In the very early days of the London Marathon (back in the 80s) I applied to run without success on a number of occasions so twenty years on to have the chance to take on the challenge is very exciting. While I am excited and perhaps if I'm honest a little apprehensive about the task ahead, I also feel extremely honoured to be running for such a special cause and to be running for Henry.

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me as SDBTT - Henry Barnfield Fund will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

If you feel able to support us and to sponsor me I would be extremely grateful.

Yours,

Jim