On 21 September 1991, I collapsed at the end of my super-middleweight contest against Chris Eubank. I later underwent surgery to remove a blood clot from my brain. I remained in a coma for 40 days and was on the verge of being certified clinically dead.
When I left hospital in a wheelchair, I was unable to walk, talk or do anything for myself. I was paralysed down my left side and had lost half the function of my brain.
Now, eleven years on, my spirit and determination has propelled me back to the sporting arena.
On April 13 2003, I started walking the Flora London Marathon and completed the 26.2 mile course in 6 days. In participating in the marathon – a gruelling physical challenge for even the most able bodied – I completed my greatest ever sporting feat.
After completing the marathon, I felt super and extremely overwhelmed. I had such great support I could not go wrong. There were a few blisters on my feet, that's about it. I loved all of it.
Each mile, every step of the way, I got stronger. Each and every day the crowd got larger and larger. It's been fantastic - I enjoyed myself from day one,
When asked what got me through I have to say, My faith in Jesus Christ. I loved the challenge. It injected the might in me and gave me something to focus on. I'm an overcomer. I did it by putting my faith in God.
I captained the Brain and Spine Foundation team and my efforts raised half the funds needed for the charity that has supported me throughout my rehabilitation.
So please continue to support my marathon challenge. Donate online in just few minutes and if you are a UK tax payer an extra 28% in Gift Aid tax will be added to your donation at no extra cost to yourself.
Thank you in advance for your continued time and donation. Your support still means so much to me."
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Michael has received the following messages of personal support:
"Muhammad Ali and the Muhammad Ali Center for the Advancement of Humanity Worldwide are with you all the way, Michael, and we express our admiration for your years of dedication and hard work that have led you through your challenging journeys in life! We salute you for this remarkable trek that you complete today and wish you to know how humble Muhammad feels knowing that his friendship shown you in years past has been a positive influence in your own life of incredible achievement. Congratulations!"
Muhammad Ali and the Muhammad Ali Center for the Advancement of Humanity Worldwide
"You'll do it. After what you have achieved already you will make it look easy. You are a very courageous and remarkable man."
Michael Parkinson
"All the Trustees send their good wishes to you for the Flora London Marathon in April"
The Tim Rice Charitable Trust
"I wish you all the best and every success. It is a tremendous effort and I admire your guts and determination in making this commitment."
Dickie Bird, MBE
Please sponsor Michael and add your own personal message of support along with many others below:
Registered charity:1010067
Raised so far: £18,437.82
Donate now
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Better late than never! Congratulations. Donation by Anonymous on 19/12/03 |
£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid |
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Amzing. Simply amzing. Donation by Rob Cotterill on 15/12/03 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Mick Howard on 12/12/03 |
£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Anonymous on 21/10/03 |
£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid |
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with very best wishes to you Donation by Anonymous on 30/06/03 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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In memory of Mini Prestidge Donation by Brett Prestidge on 28/06/03 |
£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Anonymous on 26/06/03 |
£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Anonymous on 08/06/03 |
£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid |
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You are an incredible man Michael. Well Done!!!! Donation by Matthew Sands on 29/05/03 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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Michael you are an insperation to us all. Donation by sandra porter on 28/05/03 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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You are a true champion & an example to everyone Donation by Michael Casale on 26/05/03 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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May your god always be with you Donation by Anonymous on 25/05/03 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Anonymous on 25/05/03 |
£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid |
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Well Done Michael - What an example to all!! Donation by Paul Bailey on 22/05/03 |
£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Charles Myers on 20/05/03 |
£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid |
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Your courage continues to inspire. I'm in awe. Donation by Stephen Brammar on 20/05/03 |
£100.00 |
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Huge congratulations on a most fantastic effort, Donation by Caroline Walton on 17/05/03 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Anonymous on 16/05/03 |
£25.00 |
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Great achievement - you inspire us all so much Donation by Adam Thompson on 13/05/03 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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Awesome & inspirational - many thanks Donation by Anonymous on 10/05/03 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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Amazing efforts just awesome. Donation by Kingsley Elliff on 08/05/03 |
£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid |
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To the best from the 2nd best Donation by g hh on 08/05/03 |
£21.00 + £5.92 Gift Aid |
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You are a great example to us all, inspirational! Donation by Rosalyn Dennett on 06/05/03 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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Well done Michael I appreciate the huge effort. Donation by Tim Reeder on 05/05/03 |
£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid |
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Micheal you are a complete inspiration!! Donation by Aterah Nusrat on 03/05/03 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
| * Total raised online: | £18,437.82 |
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| Offline donations: | £0.00 |
| Mobile donations: | £0.00 |
| Total Raised: | £18,437.82 |
| Gift Aid plus supplement: | £4,533.59 |
* Charities pay a small fee for our service.
Find out
how much it is and what we do for it.