Update:

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It seems so long ago now, after the whirlwind of wedding organisation catch up that has dominated the last few weeks, but exactly a month on from Paris I wanted to take the time to say a very belated MARATHON Thank You to all of you who kindly sponsored myself and the boys!

Your contributions were so appreciated by St Richard’s Hospice who are absolutely thrilled with the massive £5198.02 raised and also by myself in particular as thoughts of this enormous backing really helped me get round.

When I decided to take on this challenge everyone thought I was joking, and no-one wished it more so than I when I hit the dreaded wall at 21 miles. We noticed that my pace had decreased to a survival shuffle and thought it best to power walk the last 5 miles (and sprint the last few hundred metres naturally...).

After 26.2 long miles Phil, Russ and I crossed the line together at 5 hours 54 minutes 51 seconds (1hour 15 faster than Jordan and Peter!!). We were greeted by Helene and Ali with a bottle of celebratory champagne and never has it tasted so good!

The legs were a little tired and the blisters had taken on a life of their own but the pain was already forgotten and the overriding feeling was one of elation to have completed it (I even vaguely enjoyed it!), to have raised such a huge amount and to have done it in honour of cause so dear to my heart.

Once again, thank you all so much for your sponsorship and words of encouragement and a special thank you also to Phil, Dad, Russ & Al, Blair & family, Sam & the Spavins and Andrew & Hariko for their support in the build up and on the day itself.

Best Wishes,
Louise

P.S. You can see some official photos at www.maindruphoto.com selecting Marathon de Paris 2009 and entering my runner number 45728

or some of the unofficial ones at;

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=239497&id=587610392&l=9335669f2c

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No you don't need to get your eyes tested! Phil, Blair, Russ, Andrew and I really are running the Paris Marathon (all 26.2 miles of it) on April 5th 2009 and for those of you who have asked;

Yes, I know you can't run in heels (Thanks for the wise words Dad) 
Yes, I have bought shares in elastoplast...and Yes i will still be running in full make up  (as will the boys I'm sure) there will be lots of photo opportunities I understand...:-)

So, why do it? Believe me, it's a question most of us have asked ourselves many times, especially on the longer training runs but one that is easy to answer.

Fundraising for St Richard's Hospice is a cause dear to my heart as my Mum, Mandy, was diagnosed with terminal cancer last summer and sadly passed away in January. During her illness, giving something back to the amazing people, including those at the hospice, who provided great support to her and our family was never far from her thoughts. So, in short, I'm running the Paris Marathon on behalf of my Mum, in celebration of her life, and to raise money for St Richards so that others can benefit from their help.

Cancer is a horrendous illness that has touched all of our lives and with this in mind, with each others' encouragement and your support, together, Phil, Blair, Russ and I will absolutely make it round, even if we (ok, everyone apart from Russ) have to crawl over the finish line!

Thank you so much once again to all those who have already donated to this great cause and also in memory of my Mum - we're almost at 80% of the fundraising target now! 

Any new donations, large or small are gratefully received. The trip is self funded and all donations will go to St Richards.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: St Richard's Hospice Foundation gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Thank you!

Louise