I'm running my first marathon in Berlin this year (September 28, 2008) to raise money for the Children's Heart Federation.  As many know, pediatric cardiology has been a feature of our family life recently and we wanted to do something positive. 

My team are now in full training, planning and manning strategic water stops, baking energy food, and general pavement pounding. 

The Children`s Heart Federation is a parent-led charity, dedicated to helping children with congenital or acquired heart disease and their families in the UK and Ireland.

Their aim is to improve the quality of life of children and young people living with congenital and acquired heart disease by providing information and working to gain recognition of their needs and ensure adequate resources are available to meet them by:

• providing information and support
• promoting effective services for their care and treatment
• campaigning to improve the clinical and social care of those affected by congenital and acquired heart disease 
• raising awareness of the needs of children with heart conditions and their families. 

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Children's Heart Federation 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.  My employer (HBOS) will fund match up to £500 of donations.

So please sponsor me now!

Thank you to all our family and friends for their help and support.

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Post run update - finished in 4:20.  Pretty sore and tired, but planning to cut my PB in near future, though maybe not this year.  Thank you to all generous donors....
Shane