UPDATE!!!!

I completed the 26.2 miles of the course in 6hrs 32mins and 24 seconds.

Truely the most inspirational day i have had in a long long time and highly recommended to anyone.  The crowds are amazing, and the atmosphere is one which can only be experienced - words do not do it justice.

Thanks to everyone who has supported me both emotionally, and financially in this - it is truely appreciated. Thank You!

“Da da Da da da da da… Keep on running….”

How many times have I listened to that song whilst jogging!!  

Welcome to my fund raising page.

I’m running the 26.2 miles of the 2007 Flora London Marathon in aid of Cancer Research UK both in memory of all those who’ve suffered at the hands of cancer, and also in celebration of finally quitting smoking.    In Western Europe 1 in 3 of us can expect to suffer from cancer at some point in our lives.  More than a quarter of a MILLION people are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United Kingdom… I’ll go as far as to say everyone reading that, has been affected in some way, by cancer.
But it’s not all doom and gloom!  The overall death rate for cancer has fallen by 11% in the past 10 years… hundreds of thousands of people, have successfully beaten the disease thanks to new treatments developed by Cancer Research UK.  But they need my help, your help, OUR help, to continue finding treatments to cure cancer faster, get treatment to patients more quickly and develop accurate and sensitive tests for the prevention and early detection of different types of cancer. 

“Smoking tobacco is the greatest avoidable risk factor for cancer; it causes more than 1 in 4 cancer deaths and has killed 6 million people over the last 50 years.”
Source: Cancer Research UK
 

“Currently in Britain, 28% of men and 21% of women are ex-smokers, and almost 70% of those who do smoke would like to quit.”
Source: Cancer Research UK

Shocking isnt it?  I’m proud to say that after 2.5 years of smoking, I am now in that 28% of ex smokers. However after losing at least one Grandma to cancer, and having my parents smoke all my life, the issue of cancer diagnostics, prevention and cure, is one which is never too far from my mind.  As an ex-smoker, I am determined to prove to people that its not only possible to quit smoking but also raise much needed funds for Cancer Research UK in the process.

I know at this time of year it is difficult to find spare cash, but when you consider that the work this organisation does may one day be instrumental in saving someone you love, I’m sure you will agree that it is a small price to pay and a very worth while cause indeed.  

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cancer Research UK 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.
So please, sponsor me now!

Further information on my marathon attempt can be found on my official Flora London Marathon Training Blog:

http://www.realbuzz.com/network/myBlogs/blog.php?blog=3241

I’ve also decided to keep a running total of all the pledges I’ve received offline.

As of 08/04/2007:     £580.50

Thank you,
Joe