PLEASE NOTE: This page will remain open for donations to 'Open Doors' until the 31 March 2010.

On behalf of persecuted believers - and those suffering with Parkinson's - I thank you for your help and generosity.  Thank you so much.  Julian. 

*****  RACE DAY NEWS  ***** JULIAN SUCCESSFULLY HITS TARGET TIME *****      10 KILOMETRES COMPLETED IN 74 MINUTES (1 Hr 14 Min) *** FASTEST EVER

The weather was warm and bright, with plenty of both sunshine and shade - ideal conditions for a road race.  I think there must have been almost 30,000 people taking part.  As we approached the start, crowds of runners stretched practically as far as the eye could see.  The race began about 9.35 am and the front runners sped back past those of us queueing to reach where they had come from.  We waited and waited for what seemed like an eternity, creeping slowly onward towards the start.  Finally, well over an hour later, I was able to cross the starting line.  By then I had met up with most of the others running for the very small Open Doors team.

I started slowly as planned, and needed to watch carefully what other runners were doing, both infront of and behind me; as some would swerve unexpectedly in front of me.  (That is one of the most risky of situations for a Parkinsonian, as urgent signals from our brains to take evasive action - to make sudden changes of direction or speed - are delayed or distorted.)  However I was alert, and soon adjusted to the unusual 'traffic flow'.  I was able to gradually increase my speed and overtake those who were flagging.  By the middle of the race I had developed a fairly steady rhythm - and I chose someone ahead of me to be my 'pacemaker,' which worked well for a while.

For the last few kilometres I ran fairly strong, enjoying the atmosphere, the cheers and words of encouragement as I passed groups of spectators along the way.  I was not sure when the finish line would appear, though of course it eventually did; and I was then able to put on a final spurt, which I hoped would enable me to attain my target time.  I checked my watch and was delighted to see I had achieved all that I hoped for!

A very big, thank you, to all of you who sponsored me.  This webpage will remain open for further donations until the end of August.  To those who pledged to give by cash or cheque, please let me have your contributions as soon as possible.  (Cheques made payable to 'Open Doors' please).  If you have friends who also might like to contribute, please direct them to this page or give them my details.

My next event will be 'The Great South Run', a ten mile road race in Portsmouth on 25 October.  For futher information, please visit www.justgiving.com/julianoct25

INTRODUCTION ***** (WRITTEN PRIOR TO THE RACE)

I'm really thrilled that you have taken the time to visit my web page.  Let me share with you why I am so very passionate about running for this charity..

The ministry of Open Doors began in 1955 when a young Dutchman was called to help Christians in far away places where conditions for them were really very difficult. Today much has changed, however there is still enormous need for scriptures, pastoral training, and material support for those who are persecuted just because their beliefs do not match those of their family and/or the officially approved religion of their nation.

Last year I took up running seriously - first by running a one mile event for Sport Relief - and subsequently ten miles for the Parkinson's Disease Society.  I was diagnosed with PD five years ago; and currently have to take pills 5 or 6 times every day in order to be able to move normally! 

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s the most efficient way to sponsor me: Open Doors With Brother Andrew will receive 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.

So please sponsor me today, and thank you for helping those who need our help so very, very much.  Your contribution will be used where most needed.  As an example only, £10 could provide five Bibles for Chinese believers.  Thank you.

Julian Hoerder

PS My next event will be The Great South Run on October 25 in Portsmouth.  For more details please go to www.justgiving.com/julianoct25