Well, I did it!  I finished the marathon and beat last year's time by just over a minute (4 hours 10 minutes), so I guess I did OK.  To be honest it was one of the hardest things I'd ever done as my confidence was rock bottom after I failed to finish the London marathon.  Stephen was glued to my side all the way (except for a brief spell when we lost each other at a supply station) and he made sure I made it all the way.  Giving up was not an option.

The weather was great and the atmosphere amazing.  It was quite chilly to start with so I made a pair of arm-warmers out of some leggings.  However, it quickly warmed up with the sunshine and I was able to dump the arm-warmers.  After the half-way mark, live bands played at the road-side every mile or so.  Shame we couldn't stop and listen... 

I was on the Stroke Association's marathon team at Berlin, and one of the things that kept me going was the support and sponsorship that I received from friends, family and colleagues.  I'd like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who sponsored me, and also to Stephen, who kept my spirits up all the way.  If you haven't sponsored me, it's not too late.  Any sponsorship is still very much appreciated!!!

Every year, about 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke.  That's one person every 5 minutes.  In sponsoring me for the Berlin marathon, you will help The Stroke Association continue its fantastic work in supporting people affected by a stroke.  For example, £20 keep the Stroke Helpline for an hour and £500 fund specialist speech and language training to enable staff to support and empower people with dysphasia on their road to recovery.  Dysphasia is a communication impairment which affects a person's ability to understand what is said to them and to find the right words to get their message across.  To find out more about the work of The Stroke Association, please visit its website on www.stroke.org.uk.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Stroke 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.

Please sponsor me now!  Thank you.

Siggy :)