UPDATE***UPDATE***UPDATE***UPDATE***UPDATE***UPDATE***UPDATE !!!
Well, I did it!!! It took a little longer than I'd hoped, but on the hottest day of the year, and with people all around me dropping out left, right and centre, I was just pleased to get round in one piece. The run was extremely tough; much hillier than I'd been anticipating, and with whole sections run on cobblestones. The last four miles were a 'gentle' but relentless uphill climb and it was at this point that the mental training had to take over from the physical. The sight of the bright yellow 26 mile marker couldn't come soon enough!
I would like to thank the lovely people of Edinburgh, my new favourite city, for turning out in force with their sprinklers, hosepipes, cold sponges and water guns, as well as offering jelly babies, jaffa cakes and slices of orange - none of which I could stomach but the thought was nice.
Special thanks to everyone who sponsored me. Your generosity has contributed to a fantastic result for Macmillan - far surpassing my expectations. Thank-you very much.
Finally, I'd like to thank my family and friends for their support and for putting up with me these past six months. Suffice to say I WILL be coming out for a drink this weekend.
Cheers everyone,
Max
PS: oh and never say never; apparently I'm doing another one in February.
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Hello everyone...
Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.
Yes. I really am attempting to run the Edinburgh Marathon in June. I can't believe the day is nearly here after months of slogging round Hove, Brighton and along the cliffs to Ovingdean, Rottingdean, Saltdean, Telscombe Cliffs, Peacehaven, Newhaven etc in the freezing cold, pouring rain, stormy winds and even the odd sunny day.
This being my first (and LAST) marathon, I don't care what time I do it in although I do hope to avoid being swept up by the Slow Police when the roads get re-opened after seven hours or so. I just want to cross the finishing line... preferably not on a stretcher.
Those of you who have had to bear witness to my incessant moaning and never-ending tales of injury and exhaustion over the last six months will probably find this hard to believe, but this has been an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable (!) experience so far, despite it being the toughest and most demanding thing I've ever undertaken in my life.
However - I know that it pales into insignificance against the day-to-day challenges of living with cancer.
I am running for Macmillan because they are a charity that can make a real difference to someone in the small ways that often get forgotten about. Someone diagnosed with cancer may have to visit hospital three or four times a week for months on end and for people on a low income, this can be financially crippling. If the patient has to give up work as well, this causes even greater anxiety. As well as providing emotional support, Macmillan give grants to patients on low incomes to help with a wide range of practical needs such as travel costs, heating bills, prescription costs, and helping with benefit applications.
According to their research, Macmillan say that money worries come second only to physical pain as a cause of immense stress during a patient's illness. No-one should have to deal with these kind of concerns when battling a life-threatening disease.
If you agree, and would like to sponsor me, you can do it all here through this page. It shouldn't take any longer than about five minutes and is very easy. It doesn't matter how much you give - any amount whatsoever is appreciated very much.
Thanks for reading this far and thanks in advance for your support. It will keep me going on the day!
I think Channel 5 are televising the event - Sunday 11th June - you might get to see me being overtaken by a giant banana.
Love,
Max
Donating through this site is simple and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Macmillan Cancer Support 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.
