So why did I even enter the ballot for the privilege to run 13.1 miles from Newcastle to South Shields? Early this year my Granddad died fairly unexpectedly and instead of flowers a collection was raised for Little Havens Children's Hospice who help to support children and their families who are not expected to live long enough to experience half of what you or I will. So this is for him, for my Nanny and for all the children and families that Little Havens help every year.
Little Havens provides care and support to families with terminally ill children. The hospice allows families to spend time together as a family without the strain of having to care for the ill child. The children get to experience life as fully as possible and the family get to experience their child as fully as possible and in a way that would be impossible in the home. It's invaluable to the families but provided free by Little Havens who receive little funding from the government and rely on donations and sponsorship like this. Every donation will help make a difference no matter how big or small.
If you want to know more have a look at the Little Havens website or just watch one of these videos and you'll see why Little Havens deserves your support.
The picture shows Nanny & Granddad on the London eye in December last year when the whole family went to London to celebrate his 80th birthday. Unfortunately this was the last time we were all together but will be a day we will all always remember.
Update - 20/07/2009: 8 weeks (ish) to go. Training has started ... I'm not sure pushing Caitlin is really helping but seems to like it!
Update - 06/08/2009: 6 weeks (ish) to go. Managing a whopping 2 miles a time at the moment (pushing Caitlin though!) but doubling up to 4 this week.
Update - 11/08/2009: Cailtin is going to have to stay at home after I managed to pull something in my back pushing her! Lew has been round and pummeled me back into shape and I'll be back out training soon.
Update - 21/09/2009: Well the run was yesterday and it was HOT, way to hot for me, but I finished. Unfortunately the PB went out the window but I was happy to see the finish in a time of 2 hours 39 minutes and 20 seconds. I had the mother of all cramps down the last mile and collapsed in a heap trying to get my timing chip of at the finish! Thanks to everyone who has sponsored me and all those who have promised to sponsor me too.
The Official Bit
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Little Havens Children's Hospice 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.