Thank you for visiting my fundraising page in memory of my beloved Wife, Judy.

NEWSFLASH - Well, despite "hitting the wall" at the 19 miles, I completed the London Marathon in 3hrs 49mins and 23secs.  I will update further over coming days, but at the outset a heartfelt thank you to all friends and family for your support.  Particular thanks to Mike Charlton for accompanying me to London and managing to catch me at four different points of the race!! 

I am running the London Marathon on 25th April 2010.  The training is going OK but this undoubtedly is my toughest challenge yet.  The Great North Run is a breeze compared to this!  The mileage is hurting and I am certainly feeling the pace.  However, I am determined to complete the marathon and hope to break the 4 hour barrier.

All proceeds will go towards our team total raised for The Butterwick Hospice.  Can we reach £20,000?

After a courageous battle with bowel cancer, Judy tragically passed away on 4th April 2009 aged 35 years.

During Judy's last weeks of pain and suffering, the Nurses and Doctors at the Butterwick Hospice valiantly gave Judy 24 hours a day care to make her as comfortable as possible.  The personal and sensitive treatment afforded to Judy during this time was exceptional - as was the care and attention given to me and our 5 month old son Samuel as we stayed by Judy's bedside.  

The compassionate care demonstrated by the Butterwick Hospice is completely free of charge.  In Judy's memory, friends and family have committed to raise funds through a variety of events that will allow the hospice to purchase equipment that will benefit other families cared for by the hospice. Feel free to read our story below in the Evening Gazette.

http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2009/05/12/dad-s-love-for-baby-helps-him-face-loss-of-his-wife-84229-23600592/

We set a target of £4,000 initially in May 2009 and felt that an amount of that size would be a real stretch over a 12 month period, but the response has just been incredible and completely overwhelming. We smashed through that original target in under 4 weeks.  We raised the target to £10,000 which again was smashed in no time.  We would really love to get to £20,000 and hope you can help. 

We realise that there is a credit crunch and that it is hard enough to pay the bills without giving money away to charity.  However, if it were not for the donations that allow the hospice to operate I have no idea how we would have coped. With this in mind, every pound will count and could make a huge difference, so no amount is too small and every donation is totally appreciated.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Butterwick Hospice Care 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.

Thank you for your support.

Martin and Samuel