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My story

 

7 April 2009
I have returned alive and in relatively one piece.  Best of all, I can report I successfully completed the the MDS and came 361 out of 820 competitors.  Thank you for all your support, it really made a difference and I am sure the charities are very grateful.

25 March 2009
Am off tomorrow!  All my kit has been packed, unpacked and re-packed and I am now ready to go!  Wish me luck!

8 March 2009
Feel really pleased having done 6 miles on Friday, 25 miles on Saturday and 25 miles today and being stopped by a complete stranger who recognised me from the paper and gave me a donation!  This weekend is the last big run I will do - I will now run regularly but taper off the distance - I dont want any last minute injuries!!

24 February 2009
Many thanks to my Mum and Dad and my Nana for donating by cheque, this can be seen added to my offline amount - I am so surprised at all the very generous support I have been given by EVERYONE. Thank you.

22 February 2009
A good weeks training - 6 miles on Wed and Thur after work and 20 miles on Saturday and 25 today - total for the week 57 miles - am happy with that!!

12 February 2009
Exciting day as appeared in the Daily Echo and on Radio Hampshire! http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/search/4120629.My_150_mile_run_across_the_Sahara/#show

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

My wife has often said that I am mad and now it looks like I have really lost it. I have entered what is known as the toughest foot race on earth, The Marathon Des Sables.

The race takes place in the Sahara desert and competitors must carry everything they need to survive and run 150 miles over six days - about the equivalent of doing a marathon every day in temperatures approaching 40 degrees.

I have been training hard over the last few months and can be seen most nights and weekends running with my pack around where I live. I have paid for the event myself but have often been asked if I am doing this event for charity as it is such an extreme thing to do!

 

So, you will see from my email that I have chosen to support two charities and I am hopeful that they will benefit from me running in the hot desert!

 

There are two Justgiving sites, please consider splitting your generous donation between what are both very worthy causes.

 

Brain Tumour UK - http://www.justgiving.com/johngreenbank1

Cancer Research - http://www.justgiving.com/johngreenbank

 

I dedicate this event to Alex Beardsley and Stephen Baker.

 

Alex was an exceptionally bright and talented boy who just happened to be my sons best friend. He died of cancer in 2000 aged just 10 years old. As well as being bright, Alex was also musically talented but most of all, he had the cheekiest of smiles and the most lovable nature a boy could have.

 

In 2004, Stephen Baker my cousin, died aged just 24. Stephen, an intelligent and keen sportsman with a eye for adventure was struck down by a brain tumour. Stephen had an exciting future ahead of him having excelled at university and just completed a spell in Japan where he had spent time teaching English.

 

Cancer Research and Brain Tumour UK support patients and families by providing support, information and research.

 

As I have paid to take part in this event, every donation will go direct to the charity. Please, please give generously as I can assure you I will not be doing this again!


Thank you for your support and please wish me luck, I may just need it!

 

John

 

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Brain Tumour UK 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. 

Congratulations on completing the Marathon, an excellent achievement for a worthy cause. Donation by Paul Ridge 13/07/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Hearty congratulations on a splendid and noble effort. I am proud to count myself as a sponsor. Donation by Freddie Smyth 20/04/09  

£200.00

It is a hard run but an enjoyable one i hope Donation by Tim 11/04/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck! x Donation by Sarah & Hannah 26/03/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Go for it John, good luck, we will be thinking about you. xxxxx Donation by Michelle and Richard Turner 23/03/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

What I have lost in pounds since January at Weight Watchers, converted into pounds sterling for you! Stay safe and have a fantastic time. Donation by Sarah Edwards 17/03/09  

£19.50 + £5.50 Gift Aid

From one cousin of Steve's to another... Good luck! Donation by Davida 16/03/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

I always remember Stephen as my best Scout with great empathy for others. Donation by Mike Taylor 15/03/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good luck! Donation by Terri & Ewan 15/03/09  

£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid

As per my comment on the other donation page..!! Although I will add that you are, clearly, completely nuts... good luck!! Donation by Charlie & Carolyn 14/03/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Good luck with MDS, just dont go and hurt yourself. You will be very good at it I'm sure with all these runs you do :-) x Donation by Vegtabubble, your step daughter! 09/03/09  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

John, as insane as this is, your commitment and effort are extremely impressive especially for such good causes, both close to my heart, Good luck! Donation by Saba 06/03/09  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Good luck. I trust Geoff will be going with you!! Donation by Ken Davis 04/03/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

well done the running skeleton now put weight on and start karate Donation by Alan & Kathryn 01/03/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

There'll be two special angels sat on your shoulders. God bless. Donation by N and J 26/02/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

I agree with Leah, you're nuts what a challenge! Good luck! Donation by Alison Carberry 23/02/09  

£10.00

What a Challenge, the best of luck and don't forget your water bottle! Donation by Maddy & Nigel Hunt 19/02/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Your not right! Don't worry if you don't make it back, I can always hold the fort again in the office! Can I have your car? Donation by Andy Newman 17/02/09  

£40.00 + £11.28 Gift Aid

I have said it before - you ARE mad but good luck Donation by Allan Saunders 17/02/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Mad you may be but I do wish you all the best! Donation by Ronnie Cater 16/02/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Watch out for the camel droppings! Donation by Dave and Eileen 13/02/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

John - good luck - you're braver than I am! Donation by Robert Duff 12/02/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Now you'll know how I feel walking around Luton!!! Donation by Sean 05/02/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Yipeeee, anything to get shot of the boss Donation by Still a slave 04/02/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Once again, good effort John, we'll be with you in spirit. Donation by Pete & Sue 02/02/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Good luck John, what a great idea to suport a worthwhile cause. Donation by Becky Hill 02/02/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

you must be bloody bonkers, but good on ya!!!! Donation by Jumbo 01/02/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good Luck! Donation by Georgina Harris 28/01/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck John, you dont have to be mad to run it, but it sure helps Donation by Me and Him 24/01/09  

£50.00

You know its going to be tough but you can do it! From your very proud wife xx Donation by Leah Greenbank 19/01/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid
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* Total raised online: £939.50
  Offline donations: £350.00
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £191.65

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