I decided to enter the London Marathon as a means of raising funds for Macmillan Cancer relief, whose nurses had for a time helped my Mother and Father who passed away recently within a year of each other.

I started training in September 2005, and not sure whether my knees would stand the strain, I decided to cross-train on the Concept 2 Indoor Rowing machine.  I hit on the idea that I could complete two marathons;  running and rowing.   I did the rowing marathon about 5 weeks ago in a time of 3 hours 33 minutes, and at that time decided to devote all my training efforts to road running, 5 days a week, as my joints had stood up well to pounding, and gave me no pain even after the Silverstone Half Marathon or during the longer training runs of 3 hours 20 minutes.

On 23rd April I finished the Flora Marathon.  It was the most amazing experience.  My target time was 4 hours 20 minutes. The conditions were perfect.  The temperature was right, it was overcast, and it drizzled with rain throughout.  I went through the half marathon at 2 hours 1 minute and felt good.  At about 15 miles, I developed a blister on one of my toes, due to soggy socks rubbing away the lanoline I had applied to prevent blistering.  The St Johns Ambulance sorted me out, but after the enforced stop I could not get back into the groove.  I found the last 6 miles gruelling.  The last 500 metres seemed to take an eternity. My family were cheering me on at the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, and at the finish.  Macmillan encouraged us to get our names on our T shirts and the effect was that throughout the 26.2 miles, people were calling out words of encouragement.  I finished the Marathon in 4 hours 47 minutes, I was on cloud nine for days.  My aim was to raise in excess of £5,000. I have now hit this target so have revised the target up to £5555.55. With the cash that I have been promised and with one more fund-raising event to complete, added to a few late donations I should get there. If you know anyone else who would like to support MacMillan, would you please pass on the details of the justgiving website.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Macmillan Cancer Relief 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.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.