Well I actually did it. I completed the Edinburgh Marathon on 27/05/12.

I was very nervous the night before and did not get much sleep at all. This was partly due to a wedding party going on in the hotel until the early hours.

The day started off in glorious sunshine which meant high temperatures. Not the best conditions for running 26.2 miles.

We had a minor car accident on the way to the start line. After being delayed a short while we decided to leave the car in the nearest car park and walk to the start in Regent Rd.

I didn't know at that time that it was about a 30 minute walk.

We got there just in time for the start gun and it took me 20 further minutes to cross the starting line. By this time my neck and shoulder was getting a bit stiff from the bump.

The adrenalin soon kicked in and I got into my stride. I was on pace as I crossed the half way point at 2hrs 23mins and carried on feeling fine until about 18 miles when I developed some serious pain in my right leg. From that moment on I realised that the last 8 miles were going to be a struggle. The sun beat down on my head as the temperature rose even more. (it was midday now). or the last few miles I run/walked, passing lots of people in a far worse state than I was. I struggled over the finish line in 5:39:42. a poor time but I was pleased to finish at all.

My mum and Sandra never gave up and I was not about to let the side down now.

A brilliant day with great support from Macmillan (as always).

Its not too late to donate and your money really can make a difference.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Macmillan hospices do some great work and deserve any donations they get.

In the past few years both my mother Joyce Close, and my sister in law Sandra Cooper have spent time in a Macmillan hospice in Stoke on Trent. The staff at the hospice helped to ease their passing in a dignified way, Their proffesionalism and level of care during these very emotional and traumatic times was very much appreciated.

Whatever funds I raise through this page will not be enough to repay their kindness.

Please give what you can.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.