Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

Having suffered injury and illness shortly before the London Marathon in April I entered the SOUTH DOWNS MARATHON on 14th June instead. This was 26.2 miles of undulating trail running on a sunny mid-summer day on the South Downs Way. As anticipated the London Marathon is for wimps by comparison - the hills, particularly in the second half of the race, were hideous!!!

But I completed it successfully in 3 hrs 48 minutes - only 2 mins short of my PB from the London Marathon 2 years ago. Photos, if you want a giggle, at http://www.philoconnor.com/sdm/front.htm - click where it says ‘here’ and on next page click ‘search’ then enter my number (273).

I have also entered the King Sturge Property Triathlon (750m open water swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run) on 11th July.

I'm still raising funds for my chosen charity, Ali's Dream (raising awareness and funding research into the causes, advancing treatments, and finding a cure for Childhood Brain Tumours). My target is to raise £100 for every mile of the South Downs Marathon - every pound you pledge will be a massive motivation as I continue my training and on Marathon day in June, and Triathlon day in July. Please give generously - I've been out running in the cold, wind, and rain (and I'll be out running, swimming, and cycling) to give you a reason to dig deep to help Ali's Dream.

Ali's Dream (www.alisdream.org.uk) was set up by the family and friends of Alison Phelan following her loss to a brain tumour in June 2001, three weeks before her eighth birthday. Ali had been diagnosed in August 2000, but only after her parents had spent a significant period of time trying to convince doctors that something was wrong. Following diagnosis Ali's family did not give up hope and explored endless avenues to find a miracle cure. They discovered, however, that there was and is very little research being undertaken in this particular cancer area.

Indeed, there are indications that due to lack of awareness in diagnosis and lack of funds for research, Brain Tumours are overtaking leukaemia as the BIGGEST CANCER KILLER of CHILDREN under fifteen.

PLEASE please give generously and help me to help Ali's Dream make a difference. The prognosis for children diagnosed with a Brain Tumour is poor - only 20% survive beyond five years... This simply must not continue....

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Ali's Dream 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.