My story

Well, I did it.  I ran 26.2 miles - and yes, I ran all the way.

We met the Refuge team at the start and had our team photo taken with a clear blue sky.  It was getting hot and I was worried I wouldn't make it past half-way.  Liz waved me off and I went to join the massive queue for the start.

I started at the back with the chickens, donkeys, rhinos and gorillas.  It took 25 minutes to get to cross the start line.  I decided to set off at a slow pace and try to leave myself some energy for the second half.  But with the crowd lining the route the whole way the miles just seemed to go by really quickly and I was really enjoying it.

I got to 13 miles in the same time I have done half-marathons before and the Refuge team were there cheering.  I got a lot of cheers from the crowd too along the way and that really does keep you going.

It got hot at about 18 miles running through docklands.    I got tired at about 21 miles, but by then I could just tell that I could keep going for the last 5 miles.  For the last mile or two I really started to run - and enjoy it again - amd trying to beat 6 hours.

It's a great sight when you turn the last corner onto the Mall and see the finish.  I was aiming for 6 to 7 hours, and I my time was 6h 1min 48sec.  So I was chuffed with my time and thrilled to get my medal.

Then I wandered round to the Refuge reception where Liz was waiting.  I ate about 100 sarnies and got a massage - which is possibly the only reason I can walk today.

All in all it was a fantastic occasion - I'm really proud to have done it and really proud to have had the opportunity to help Refuge.  I was fortunate to have support on the day from Liz and from the Refuge team too, but I am very grateful to all of you who have sponsored me - raising the money for Refuge is why I did it and it meant so much to me and kept me going, knowing that it would be helping Refuge.

Thanks very much for your support.

Mark.

www.refuge.org.uk

Hello,

In April 2009 I am going to run the London Marathon - yes, 26.2 miles! - and I have pledged to raise £1,800 for Refuge, so please help me to reach that target. 

Refuge is a national charity for women and children who experience domestic violence, providing emergency accommodation and emotional and practical support.  You can find out more about Refuge at www.refuge.org.uk.

Your sponsorship is so important to me - it gives me the incentive and the motivation every time I put my trainers on - so think of the vital work Refuge will be able to do with your sponsorship and make the 26 miles worthwhile.  Thank you.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and secure.  I will make sure I make a donation to make up for any JustGiving charges on your on-line donations.  Refuge will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!  Many thanks for your support.

Mark.

My gallery 1

My Teams

My company

My charity

Refuge

Refuge

Charity Registration No. 277424

Refuge is a national charity for women and children who experience domestic violence, providing emergency accommodation and emotional and practical support. Since opening the world's first women's safe house in London in 1971, Refuge has grown to become the UK's largest organisation of its kind, helping and supporting women and children experiencing domestic violence and acting as a national 'lifeline' for up to 80,000 victims of domestic abuse every year.

Donations 25

well done - can't think of anything worse myself!

Donation by Ali on 26/05/09

£25.00

+ £7.05 Gift Aid

Congrats Mark

Donation by Linda Clark on 07/05/09

£26.00

Well done you!! Thank goodness you beat Jordan and Peter!

Donation by Rebecca on 06/05/09

£10.00

+ £2.82 Gift Aid

Well done Mark!

Donation by Colette on 01/05/09

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

well done - great perseverence

Donation by Sue Schmidt (Stephens) on 30/04/09

£20.00

+ £5.64 Gift Aid

well done. great effort. never doubted you. Obviosuly the thursday night Guinness kicked in after 22 miles!

Donation by John on 28/04/09

£20.00

+ £5.64 Gift Aid

Good Luck Mark!!

Donation by Zakira on 24/04/09

£10.00

+ £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck Mark!

Donation by Sheema Patel on 24/04/09

£10.00

+ £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck!

Donation by Richard B on 22/04/09

£10.00

+ £2.82 Gift Aid

All the best Mark

Donation by Poonam Saund on 21/04/09

£5.00

+ £1.41 Gift Aid

good luck!

Donation by Claire on 21/04/09

£10.00

+ £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck Mark!!!

Donation by Julie Trajkoski on 19/04/09

£50.00

Sale of single bed

Donation by Mark on 19/04/09

£40.00

+ £11.28 Gift Aid

Sale of bunk beds

Donation by Mark on 19/04/09

£94.00

+ £26.51 Gift Aid

Good Luck

Donation by Sheila on 12/04/09

£10.00

+ £2.82 Gift Aid

You really are mad but I admire you, good luck!! x

Donation by Lou Knightley on 09/04/09

£25.00

+ £7.05 Gift Aid

Are you wearing curtains as a skirt? Good luck!

Donation by Rob T on 30/03/09

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

Good Luck!

Donation by Anne T on 27/03/09

£10.00

+ £2.82 Gift Aid

Hey, share your makeup tips with us girls!

Donation by Mari Spitali on 06/03/09

£10.00

+ £2.82 Gift Aid

Pink tutu & wand and I'll double it!!

Donation by Rachael on 02/03/09

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

Nice legs!

Donation by Dom Stanislaus on 25/02/09

£10.00

+ £2.82 Gift Aid

I need your running tips! Good Luck

Donation by Libby on 23/02/09

£10.00

+ £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck sexy chick!

Donation by Moya on 19/02/09

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

Hope you make it.

Donation by Mark Mitchell on 18/02/09

£5.00

+ £1.41 Gift Aid

Rather you than me! Good luck!!!!

Donation by Liz on 07/09/08

£100.00

+ £28.21 Gift Aid

Donation summary

  • * Online donations£710.00
  • Offline donations£1,090.00
  • Text donations£0.00
  • Total raised£1,800.00
  • Gift Aid£178.82

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