Sunday 13th April 2008 will go down as one of the most memorable days I have ever had. It started with me waking up at 5.15 am and then being driven to Blackheath for the start of theMarathon. When we arrived at 8.30am the crowds were already starting to amass and I was feeling very nervous. It had suddenly hit me how big this event was and just how far 26.2 miles is. I also knew that I did not want to let the Hospice down by not finishing and of course I did not want to let myself down either. I got changed and handed in my kit bag to the people on the lorry’s (the organization is incredibly good) and then I walked to the back of the start. I had got my new St Wilfrid's Shirt on with my name on it as well and felt very proud that I had got this far. I looked around and felt very lucky that I was dressed like I was as many had decided to make it even harder and run as a Rhino or a Womble. The start was at 9.45am but with so many people starting I went through the start at 10.04am for the start of a 26.2 mile run around the streets of London. The people watching make it and I will never forget the encouragement they gave to all involved and the sweets from the children and offers of pints of lager from the adults. I could go on and on but the main point is that although slower than I had hoped at just before 5.00pm I crossed the line in the mall with a huge adrenalin rush and very sore legs and feet. My official time was 6hours 55 mins which was a little slower than I would have ideally liked but I am so pleased to have finished that really this is irrelevant as all I really wanted to achieve is to get over the line and raise as much as possible for St Wilfrid's Hospice. It was a fantastic experience and I thank the fundraising team at the Hospice for choosing me for this project. The biggest thank you goes to all my sponsors as I now want to repay the faith the fundraising team had in me by donating a large sum to the Hospice. So please keep the sponsorship coming and thank you for your support. Mark Holland Thank you! Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: St Wilfrid's Hospice (Eastbourne) Ltd 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.
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