I did finish the marathon and within the time that I had hoped. My ‘race plan’ (I have learned all the correct terminology) was to finish alive within 6 hours, so my finish time of 5 hours 49 minutes 58 seconds was well within the time and a PB of course!

I have also met my fundraising target of £2500 but if you have not sponsored me yet and would like to, the page remains open for a couple of months.

It is an amazing race! The organisation, the sheer number of people, the camaraderie of the runners, the support of the crowd – and all those other things that everyone says are just so true.

On Sunday for the first 6 miles or so conditions were perfect, even a bit too warm. Then the first heavy shower arrived, blowing down railings like dominos. Crossing the river at Tower Bridge was very atmospheric and shortly after that I reached the halfway mark – just the same again, how hard could that be? Answer, quite hard.  From 15 – 20 miles was a grind in icy rain. Chatting to runners, reading their tee-shirts (often a very humbling experience) and feeling amazed by the inventiveness of fancy dress helped the miles to pass.

The spectators were fantastic! Tiny kids, old ladies (many also probably called Linda), hunky men and even teenagers called my name (good marathon advice to put your name on the front) to spur me on. ‘Come on, Linda!’ It really did help!

After 20 miles I knew that I would finish and it became easier! I saw Harry, Patrick and Owen at 23 miles and then the last two miles along the Embankment, with Big Ben in sight, were a comparative breeze! Crossing the line, seeing myself on the big screen and receiving my medal made it all worthwhile. Lager and champagne in the pub with Harry, Dulcie and boys followed soon after!

I know that the money that I have raised is going to an excellent cause. I feel very privileged to have been able to take part.

Thank you for helping me.