Post Marathon Update

The good news:  I completed the Edinburgh Marathon on 23 May.... the bad news ... it was 25 deg C!!  The front page news of the Scotsman newspaper was "heatwave hits Marathon", and very sadly one runner died, 185 were treated for heatstoke.

Given all that, I was very pleased with my time of 4hrs 4 mins (just o/s my target of under 4 hrs).

That's it - no more Marathons for me!

To all who gave (on and off line) thanks once again for your generous sponsorship.  For those who would still like to donate to a fantastic cause, the site remains open for a little while longer.

Best wishes

Julian

You crazy fool!  Why??!

Some time ago I vaguely recall making a “pledge” to run a marathon before I am 40.

As some of you may know, my 11 year old daughter Chloe was diagnosed with primary lymphoedema.  I am so proud of the way Chloe has responded.  She has provided me with the inspiration and motivation to get my running shoes in gear.

So, now 38, I have the opportunity of honouring my pledge and raising some much needed funds for the Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN) in the process.

Anything you are able to contribute towards this cause will be much appreciated.

What is Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is a chronic progressive condition for which there is currently no cure. 

Primary lymphoedema is caused by a genetic abnormality of the lymphatic system which results in swelling of the affected areas of the body.

Secondary lymphoedema is common in cancer sufferers who have had surgery.

The condition is not life threatening but requires life-long intensive management to minimise swelling and prevent infection.

What does this mean for Chloe?

Chloe has lymphoedema in her left leg.  She has to wear a support stocking every day to prevent the swelling increasing and has to apply creams to keep the skin in good condition.  The skin is vulnerable to infection through injury which rules out contact sports.  Chloe has also been experimenting with intensive bandaging techniques to reduce the swelling.

Chloe has made contact with other primary lymphoedema suffers in the UK to share experiences and give support.

What does the LSN do?

The Lymphoedema Support Network is a small charity that:

·      Provides information and support to Lymphoedema sufferers and their families

·      Campaigns for further research

·      Campaigns for NICE guidelines for the NHS.  Under current guidelines, adult lymphoedema sufferers are not eligible for treatment on the NHS

Which Marathon?

I have entered the Edinburgh Marathon on 23 May 2010.  Why?  I have never been to Edinburgh before ... and it is down-hill for the first 6 miles!!

JustGiving

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate if you can.