I ran the 2008 London Marathon this last weekend.  It was a great day but quite painful.  I had a knee injury which added about an hour to my run which came in at 5 hours 24 mins in the end.  Agony!! 

I had decided to train for the Marathon and see if I could do it rather than make a big song and dance about it which is why I am asking for sponsorship now!  I ran for Liveability which is the charity that John Grooms has now merged into.  Last year I trained and had to pull out with an injury but did raise quite a lot of money then so thanks to all the people that supported last year and any contributions from new people this time will be very gratefully received.

This is what I said for last years Marathon which I had to withdraw from...."On a personal note....I have never enjoyed running....I remember at school I used to be forced to do cross country running.  I used to set off at pace and with enthusiasm to get out of sight and away from the school so I could select a copse of trees to hide in and have a smoke!  Running the Marathon is something I have always admired in other people and never thought I would do. However, this year I am personally unfit, so hours of cold winter penance/training is an ideal way to improve my position.

The most important reason for doing this challenge is to raise money for John Grooms.  David Thompson OBE (my stepfather) has worked tirelessly as chairman of the organisation for years and its about time I lifted a finger! "

Many thanks for your support. Simon Clark