***************Well I  did it****************************
Last 3 miles were something of a blur, but I managed it in 1:59:13. Not bad for a slightly overweight 33 yr old!

In fact, I quite enjoyed the whole thing!

Thanks for all your support and advice along the way. It's really made a difference and was an inspiration to me throughout the race.

Cheers Folks


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Thanks for taking 5 minutes out of your day to visit my fundraising page

I signed up for the Cardiff Half Marathon a few months ago to shed a few pounds gained from the stress (aka Love) of work, fine wines (Tesco always seem to have offers on) and rich food (Barry has fantastic chip shops).

Unfortunately the £27 I forked out to run the marathon wasn't enough to get me off the sofa. I'm not really build for running and needed a purpose to run that 21.098 Kilometres (trust me - for a non runner this will destroy me).

That purpose is my brother  ('bro') Andrew who has Down Syndrome and is an inspiration to me and my family.

Andrew is 31 and lives at home with my mum and dad.  He's fun loving, outgoing and loves people. He's unique and has taught me an awful lot about life and it's rewards.
3 years ago Andrew underwent open heart surgery and didn't think twice about helping other people with similar problems by agreeing to having the whole procedure filmed and made into a video.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/4097014.stm

http://archive.southwalesargus.co.uk/2005/6/23/50786.html

"Giving" is something Andrew and all people with Down Syndrown do as part of their make up so I thought it was time for me to start giving something back to them.

My thinking is .........running for Andrew will spur me to complete the run, but running for people with Down's Syndrome via the Down's Syndrome Association will help people with Down's Syndrome live full and rewarding lives.

Two babies are born every day with Down's syndrome.

Through information and support for people with Down's syndrome, their families and professionals, the Down's Syndrome Association helps these people live full and rewarding lives.

So please help me make a difference by donating as little or as much as you wish, I really, really  do appreciate it !

Thanks folks

Mark

p.s - here is the small print.......  (Using the Interweb is secure and all that.....)

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Down's Syndrome Association 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.