My story

Yes, I did it! In about 5:38:36 mins. Had to walk the last four miles, but the whole experience was fabulous.

 Welcome aboard my London marathon fundraising page! For regular updates on my training please visit my blog by clicking here.

I'm training to run the marathon thanks to the Albany Taxi Charity Fund, who have kindly given me a place.

I'm running in memory of my mum's dad: Albert Nelson "Jack" Hardy (1892-1968) and my dad's brother, Uncle James (1930-1995).

Granddad Hardy was awarded the Military Medal in World War I in France where he was an ambulance driver. He used to tell the story that he had been a despatch rider and was decorated for eating a top secret message rather than letting it fall into enemy hands! He then got his wings with the Royal Flying Corps.

Back in civvy street he worked as an accountant until the great crash of 1929, when his firm went bust and he lost his job. That's when he decided to become a London cabbie and, with my mum's help, he did the Knowledge and went into business as a taxi driver. Grandad had the best sense of humour and loved to have fun.

When my Uncle James was born, the Rhesus incompatibility of mother and baby blood types had not yet been discovered. As a result he suffered brain damage and was mentally disabled throughout his life, although he did various menial jobs and was a keen fan of Charlton Athletic football club. My grandparents lived in Erith and then retired to Herne Bay, just along the north Kent coast from Margate.

So I am running the marathon for this wonderful charity that brings some fun into the lives of children with special needs. I'm sure my grandad and my uncle would have approved.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Albany Taxi Charity Fund 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.

So please sponsor me now and help the Albany Taxi charity to fund their seaside outings! Have a look at their website, by clicking here.

Thanks a million,
Mike

P.S. If you're feeling the pinch, never mind, even a £2 donation will be welcome.

My charity

Albany Taxi Charity Fund

Albany Taxi Charity Fund

Charity Registration No. 274141

The Albany Charity is a fund run by London Taxi Drivers for children with Special Needs, giving them fun filled days out which are not provided by the homes and schools. Our main trip is to Margate where the children are entertained during the day, culminating at the Wintergardens with a dinner, presents and disco in the evening.

Donations 122

Well done Mike!!!

Donation by Elie on 18/06/09

£10.00

+ £2.82 Gift Aid

Donation by Brock Devonshire on 04/06/09

£2.00

+ £0.56 Gift Aid

Donation by Mack SF on 04/06/09

£2.00

+ £0.56 Gift Aid

Donation by Francois Sagat on 01/06/09

£2.00

+ £0.56 Gift Aid

Donation by Tim on 21/05/09

£2.00

+ £0.56 Gift Aid

Donation by John Holmes on 21/05/09

£2.00

+ £0.56 Gift Aid

Test

Donation by john butterworth on 19/05/09

£2.00

+ £0.56 Gift Aid

Donation by Jeff Stryker on 13/05/09

£2.00

+ £0.56 Gift Aid

Donation by Tom Sellick on 12/05/09

£2.00

+ £0.56 Gift Aid

test

Donation by Liz on 11/05/09

£2.00

+ £0.56 Gift Aid

Well done! Love, Pat

Donation by Pat Eaglen on 08/05/09

£25.00

test

Donation by test on 06/05/09

£2.00

+ £0.56 Gift Aid

Donation by Tim H on 05/05/09

£2.00

+ £0.56 Gift Aid

well done mike,i know that last 200 yards hurt! see you in dublin? xxx

Donation by Hannah Miller on 30/04/09

£10.00

Many congratulations, I am very proud of you as is Albert, I'm sure!

Donation by Doris Hardy on 30/04/09

£20.00

Good Luck and Best Wishes!

Donation by Arthur & Margaret on 30/04/09

£50.00

forget NY - marathon des sables next

Donation by anne-marie on 29/04/09

£40.00

+ £11.28 Gift Aid

Well done Mike - good stuff!

Donation by Sukh on 29/04/09

£10.00

+ £2.82 Gift Aid

Mighty Mike does it again!

Donation by Nick on 28/04/09

£10.00

+ £2.82 Gift Aid

Well done Mike, you rock!!!!

Donation by Rasha on 28/04/09

£5.00

+ £1.41 Gift Aid

Well done

Donation by WillC on 28/04/09

£10.00

+ £2.82 Gift Aid

Well done Mike result! Paris or NY next?

Donation by Jules on 28/04/09

£30.00

+ £8.46 Gift Aid

Good for you, Mike

Donation by Sofka on 26/04/09

£30.00

+ £8.46 Gift Aid

Good for you!! Hope your legs are still alive!

Donation by Margarita on 26/04/09

£5.00

+ £1.41 Gift Aid

Cheering you on from Brussels :) Go Dynamo Go!

Donation by Saffina on 26/04/09

£20.00

+ £5.64 Gift Aid

Donation summary

  • * Online donations£1,356.20
  • Offline donations£0.00
  • Text donations£0.00
  • Total raised£1,356.20
  • Gift Aid£287.18

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