*** UPDATE *** UPDATE *** UPDATE *** UPDATE ***

Dear friends, family & colleagues

Race/run day has been here and gone and I managed to complete it. More than that I managed to beat my personal target of 50 mins, finishing in 99th place out of 446 with a time of 48mins 43 secs. Only four runners were under 40 mins so to say I am pleased is an understatement.

More than that though is the achievement that you all have contributed to. As I type this update the total amount you and I have raised for the hospice is £2,750. The hills may have been tough and painful but it was very much worth it. Potentially a half marathon will be next and who knows, perhaps a full one.

Thank you all very much indeed,

Mark x

Firstly, I am not a natural runner and my knees are more brittle than an ‘Airfix’ model. I have though decided to enter the Tunbridge Wells 10k (that's 6.21 miles in old money). This is a very hilly course around the town. Perhaps one day I will look to run a big one, but this is big enough for me just now. Please sponsor me to support my charity, the Hospice in the Weald, a charity so close to my heart. The reason for this follows.....

On 23rd January 2008 Jo, my beautiful wife, best friend & soulmate, adoring mother to our children, great friend to many and inspirational teacher to even more, was told by an oncologist the words we all fear. She had been diagnosed  with aggressive ovarian cancer exactly 6 months previously on 23rd July 07 and had suffered such a horrific ordeal following this as she had intensive chemotherapy and many nights in Charing Cross Hospital.

On that date in January we were told it was terminal and she only had weeks to live. We could not come to terms with this but Jo, still with a sense of knowing what she wanted asked to go into a hospice. Two days later I took her from the hospital to the hospice which is only two miles from our house. Her condition was such that she needed a wheelchair and she should have gone by ambulance but her pride and dignity refused this.

When she entered her room at the hospice her face lit up and for a while her beaming smile returned. The facilities were perfect for her after all she had been through. All the staff were so devoted to their duty and nothing was too much. After six months of being treated Jo was now being cared and loved. The dedication of some of the nurses was inspirational. Importantly they maintained her dignity against such cruel and debilitating circumstances and allowed me to assist in her care.

Jo died on 7th February 2008. She was only 40 years old.

Hospices are only part funded by the NHS, a very small part. They need donations to keep going, even so not all the rooms at Hospices can be open due to finances. The Hospice in the Weald continues to support us. I feel a little suffering and pain on my part to pay something back is the least I can do. Do feel free to share this page with others so that together we may raise as much as possible.

Thank you

Mark x 

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Hospice in the Weald gets your money faster and, if you’re a taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.