Story
<p> SAD NOTICE of WITHDRAWAL</p>
<p>I've gone down with a rather viscious gastric /vomiting/flu-like bug -my Gp assumes a Norovirus-which started on weds eve & still feel grim this evening Friday 15th so I've had to accept that I can't make the race.</p>
<p>Withdrawal does at least enable BackCare get an extra place in next years's marathon so starting without a realistic chance would have been rather unfair to them. You can of course still make a donation to BackCare if you wish.</p>
<p>Disappointed obviously but that's life..</p>
<p>Thanks for clicking on my page</p>
<p>I'm running for BackCare a charity that helps people with back pain with advice & information & helps support vital research in the area.I've seen their work at first hand & have been very impressed.Most of us will get back pain at some time which is why it is such a worthy cause. </p>
<p>I was born with a twist or scoliosis in my upper back & wore plaster corsets & strong leather & metal contraptions till I was fourteen to straighten it out a bit. As a result I've been prone to 'a bit of a back' all my life & during the worst episode about 10yrs ago I had 6 months when the pain prevented me driving a car.This necessitated walking to work then as things improved running a bit & next thing I'm attempting a marathon for BackCare - ironically because of back pain.</p>
<p>With my seventh decade disarmingly close it undoubtedly is a bit crazy but doing a marathon has been on my (before I kick the) 'Bucket List' for ages & it would be particularly good to attempt something challenging after last years dalliances with neurosurgery.</p>
<p>As a 'coalface GP' I know how much worry & distress back pain causes so I am very pleased to be able to try to raise some funds for such a worthy cause.</p>
<p>I hope you will feel able to support me in this Quixotic adventure & if you do you have carte blance to make any comment you like! If you're not keen on doing an on-line donation please just send me an email <a href="mailto:paul.coffey@nhs.net">paul.coffey@nhs.net</a> with the amount you want to pledge & I'll catch up with you later.</p>
<p><br />Thanks for reading this & particular thanks if you do decide to sponsor me.</p>
<p><br />Paul<br /><br /><br />Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: National Back Pain Association 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.<br /><br />So please sponsor me now!</p>