So, here we are again.  During training for the London Marathon last year I was sure that I wouldnt do this again.  The marathon itself was the moment that changed my mind. 

I watched the London marathon on TV this year and it was an emotional experience that brought everything flooding back.  I knew a few friends that were taking part and watched many thousands of others doing the same, but it was different having experienced the huge challenge that they were facing.  The marathon is no mean feat, it is the culmination of 5 months hard training through the cold wet winter nights and the mental and physical challenge of just over 26 miles.  In case you are in any doubt, 26 miles is a very very long way.  I remember clearly the overwhelming temptation to stop at 19 miles and that was when I had to dig deep and remember what I was there for.

I was running to raise money for the Amy and Friends charity, started by a few good friends of mine, Jayne and Mark Hughes the parents of Amy.

Shortly after the run last year I wrote "I have to say that it was way up there with the most emotional moments in my life. Its a life changing experience that I will never forget".  I havent forgotten, I remember it in detail and thats why this year the event means even more to me.

In the past 12 months the charity has achieved an enormous amount with the help of donations and fundraising activities like this one.

An event was held at the House of Lords in London to raise awareness in the UK, involving many leading doctors specialising in areas that are of benefit to the illness of Cockayne Syndrome.  Drugs trials have begun in America with a possibility that the same can happen in the UK with the support of Manchester Childrens Hospital.

Money is still required to pay for diagnosis and research into Cockayne Syndrome.  In addition funds are used to help fund an 'Amy and Friends' retreat each year allowing the children and families to come together in one place for the rare chance to discuss their childrens illness with specialist doctors that come along.

A series of programmes was aired on Sky Real Lives called 'Caudwell Children', this one is about Amy http://reallives.sky.com/caudwell-children-amy.  Its about 7 minutes long but worth the effort, please take a look.

This year I've decided to run the Edinburgh Marathon on 23rd May, one of my favourite cities and home to some of my family.  I need your help to raise £1500 for 'Amy and Friends'.  I've been training for around 5 months and fully intend to complete the marathon in 4 hours or less.

Thank you for your support

Mike

 

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Offline donations - Just wanted to add a word of thanks to those who have donated offline by cash or cheque.  In particular I would like to thank Unilever for the substantial donation made under the Charity Gift Aid scheme.