Thank you for visiting my sponsorship page - I hope I can persuade you to sponsor me!

This will be my third (and final?) London Marathon. Throughout January and February I ran every Saturday and Sunday in snow, ice, wind, rain and cold. After-work training runs started in the dark but now finish in the light. March brought an improvement in both weather and morale, and a warm and sunny half marathon in the Forest of Dean made all the training seem worth while, with my best time over this course. The marathon is now just over two weeks away, only shortish runs are recommended from now on, along with endeavouring not to trip over my own feet or catch a cold.

I am running to raise funds for The John Muir Trust, which leads the way in the conservation of wild areas of land in Britain. John Muir was born in Scotland and advanced the ideal of conserving wild places for future generations with the establishment of Yosemite as a national park in the USA. He encouraged President Theodore Roosevelt's conservation programs, which guided the world in promoting the protection of fabulous areas of wilderness and beauty.

The principle of national park status to protect our natural heritage has been seen most recently in England with the creation of the South Downs National Park. This is readily accessible for everyone in London and the South East, stretching from Winchester though woodland, downs and over cliff tops to the sea at Eastbourne. Towards the opposite end of Britain, the John Muir Trust has safe-guarded many areas including Ben Nevis, which is conserved whilst maintaining access for all.

“Climb the mountains and get into their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into the trees. The winds blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” John Muir 1898. I shall be doing this, but first, one more marathon ...

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The John Muir Trust 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.

Many thanks to everyone who sponsors me. Jonathan