I have run and completed The Grunty Fen Half Marathon in memory of Tony Young who died this year from brain cancer.
I first knew Tony as the IT teacher at King Alfred School but he soon became a friend. He had such an infectious 'buzz'. An adventurer, drummer, mountain biker, webmaster and footballer.
He joined 'The Paddington Wrecks' - (A 5-A-Side football team/ social club for players past their best) and this was where I got to know him. Always seeing the funny side. Never a frown. At odds with everyone around him. Unshakably upbeat.
Tony was an incredibly fit and super-positive person and it's a sad irony that he should fall ill at such a young age. (42).
In my last conversation with him he told me all the things he was looking forward to doing, in spite of his ongoing illness, and ten days later he was gone. That courage is unforgettable.
Please join me in my fund-raising adventure for Tony and Brain Tumour UK. I didn't promise a fast time and delivered! ( 1 hour 59 minute 46 second). There were warm moments remembering Tony on my run. Let's face it - you cant forget his voice once you've heard it - that mangled kiwi accent - and I tried to focus on his positive thoughts.
I know many of you have probably already made contributions to the charity on behalf of Tony but even the smallest amount of extra £ would be a boost. £1 or £50 - it's all good.Thanks a lot.
* * * *Tony's Words (lifted from his memorial service sheet)
"Don't sweat the small stuff."
"Unless you love yourself and your life,I feel it's hard to love another."
"I just tried to read War And Peace but I gotta say I didn't get past page 714 - that was a boring book."
"Hey guys,I've just had an idea."
What are your interests Tony? - "Everything.What is there not to be interested in?"
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.
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