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We are running the Flora London Marathon on 26th April 2009 in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer and in the memory of those we love who died from this hideous disease. We have set ourselves this huge challenge because we appreciate  that only true effort might be rewarded, in these very difficult credit crunch times, by sponsorship. Over 1000 women die from breast cancer every month and we want to help raise money to research the causes and find a cure for this terrible disease.

We have set ourselves a training program that has already covered a 10k run in Brighton in November in sheet rain. We have trained in deep snow, sleet and at minus 6 degrees. We plan to run over 340 miles in the next 15 weeks. It is a huge mountain to climb and we plan to give updates on our training over the coming weeks.

Training update 15th Feb: We ran the Half Marathon in Tunbridge Wells today. A very hilly course which was a real challenge. We tried to do 10 minute miles throughout and completed the course in 2 hours 14 mins.

25th Feb: we ran 16 miles this morning, running along the Cuckoo Trail from Heathfield to Hailsham and back: utterly exhausting leaving us aching from top to toe. We now know we have to take food and more water with us to avoid flagging on the day. We do not relish the longer runs planned for the next 3 weeks.

26th March: we ran our final longest run today, 20 miles. We ran 4 circuits of Bedgebury Forest, a hilly course, in rain and strong wind. Pol was incredibly brave running though in knee pain as her physio said no damage would be done if she did so. We were hugely helped by the arrival of Gill Stewart at 15 miles to encourage us on...from her bike! Although the benefit of shouting 'it's just like "Run Fat Boy Run"' was lost on us!

22nd April: 4 days to go and we are, let's be honest, scared. The weather is a constant fascination, we are hoping it is not too hot after doing all our training in cold conditions. We are grateful for the tremendous support and advice we have received from seasoned marathon runners, particularly Sarah, Jeremy and William.  We are genuinely touched by the immense donations to Breakthrough Breast Cancer for which we cannot thank you enough. We will do our very best on Sunday and hope it is enough. A marathon report will appear here as soon as possible after the event so do check in again.

26th April: Marathon Day  We did it! We fried in the unexpectedly high temperatures (our cold weather training had not helped us prepare for this) and staggered in in 5 hours and 3 minutes. We were delighted to pass several rhino, Spongebob Sqaure pants and Jordan and Peter Andre and were horrified to be passed by large furry animals, people who looked 90 and anyone looking perky. It was a huge day. To keep cool we took 5 run through showers, drank endless bottles of water/lucozade and poured water over ourselves.  We cannot thank you all enough for supporting us in both word and deed and it really was your sponsorship that kept us going.

 Please sponsor us if you are able to.  Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Breakthrough Breast Cancer 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.

With many thanks and lots of love

Pol and Sarah

A big thank you to the following people who have made donations off line: David Poole, Sandy and Bunty Macdonald-Smith, Millie Poole, Tom and Sarah Attwood, Mike and Biddy Wood, Ed Campbell-Salmon, Charlie and Ann Atkinson, Prof Davidson, Heidi and Rob McNeilly, Sarah and Peter Buckley, Clare and Peter Wolford, Jo and James Braxton, Robin and Ann Stow, Gill and James Stewart, James and Caroline Morris, Susie van der Gaag, William and Annabelle Elliott, Jennifer Hovman, Mrs Clifford, Mrs Evans, Matt and Marie-Louise Johnson, The Clarkson Charitable Trust, Mr and Mrs C Bee, Mr and Mrs Gault, Jo Pritchard-Barrett, Simon and Lucinda Fraser, Elba Private Hire, Lucy Poole, Jem and Lisa Gould, Nick and Kate Hely-Hutchinson, Neil Tomalin, Meridian Risk Solutions Ltd, David and Susie St John, Richard and Harriet Taylor, Charles and Tracy Balch, Audrey Laughlin, Sarah and Edward Hamilton-Ely, Helen Metcalf, Veryan Sharp, Emma and Julian Houchin, Prof Newlands, Marietta Snell, Dan Barton, David and Catherine Poole, Mr and Mrs Watson