On 27th June I ran (and walked) the length of Hadrians Wall in one day. The route begins on the west coast at Bowness-on-Solway and ends at the appropriately named Wallsend in Newcastle a total of 84 miles.

There was no reason 'why', only because it is there and of course the charity, which is Help for Heroes.

This is a brief description of what happened on 27/06/09:

I left Bowness-on- Solway at 00:15. The conditions were perfect; it was a warm still night. Ideal for travelling. After several night time encounters with fed up cows, sheep and even cats, dawn eventually arrived. I ran along the river in Carlisle and saw no one, and was soon in the country again. After 16 miles I felt completely at ease and relaxed for the first time in days. I had just under 70 miles to go, and had no aches bit I had to keep on telling myself 'slow down you only have to finish'. The first rest break was at Walton 26 miles in. I had done my slowest marathon distance ever, but the most enjoyable. My morning crew consisted of Dean & Mary, who I am so indebted to for looking after me before, during and after. Their unconditional support throughout the day was priceless. I had Weetabix and an All Day Breakfast from a tin. Fantastic!!

I ploughed on to Gilsland, and had my first ache of the day, it soon passed. I met a Dad and his lad walking the opposite way, 'keep going' they said. I thought bugger it I will. A second breakfast at Gilsland. I don't normally eat much but today was special.

I met two other friends at Walltown, who had travelled up to see me; another boost. Bob gave me a big hug, which was great. All I had to do now, was get to the halfway point, cross the Pennines and watch my step.

The path was becoming more populated, but the encouragement I had from passers by was wonderful. At mile 44 , I felt tiredness sweep over me. I had been on my feet for 11 hours, and had just done some serious up and down bits; as always my support team were waiting, tea made, and supplies at the ready. Team work really works!!

My friend Mark ran the next 7 miles with me. It was fun, we ate cake, chatted, told stupid jokes.

Mile 50 was at Chollerford, a quick change of clothes, foot massage, more cake. Deborah and Bharti had joined the support team a few miles earlier. It was really great to see them. Another morale boosting moment. I was dreading the next 15 miles though to Heddon on the Wall. There are long climbs, not particularly steep, but long straight sections which never seem to end. I took a deep breath and thought f**! it and got on with the job. It wasn't that bad afterall. 3 miles out of Heddon, I saw my friend Graeme running towards me. Fantastic, he arrived early (or I was late), and he came to meet me at the point I was dreading the most. A massive handshake and a huge hug. we were on the way.

Heddon came and went and the beginning of Newcastle was upon me. Graeme was stopping with me till the end. I was (and still am) grateful. With 7 miles to go I had my last stop. I felt I had done it, there was no way I could fail (?). What a long 7 miles though. With 5 miles to go I was absolutely done in.  The miles went down, 4 miles, then three, get past 2 miles and then the final one. Eventually Wallsend was there, the observation lower lit up in the night sky.

It took me 23 hours 10 minutes. The fastest time ever according to the log in the pub at Bowness.

It was dark, I was cold and wet, but with the help of my friends I had achieved what I had set out to do. I had dreamt that moment for so long, now I can look back at it knowing it isn't a dream anymore.

I am so grateful for the work H4H does, and I will carry on working towards more events, which I hope inspire others to go beyond  the norm. 

There probably isn't a single person in the UK, who hasn't been helped by our service men and women, whether directly or indirectly. The disruption to the heroin supply which plagues our streets, or the prevention of a terrorist attack, which totally discriminates against who lives or dies. Their sacrifice helps us the public of the UK live a safer life in these uncertain times. We are in debt to these injured service men/women whose lives have been affected. We needed them and now they need us!