Updated on Apr 24th 2012 at 9:00 PM from the JustGiving API

Including gift aid I'm now well over £4000 - so pleased. Thanks everyone

Updated on Apr 22nd 2012 at 6:36 PM from the JustGiving API

Done! 4.38, I'm in bits....

 

I know you get a load of these requests from friends and colleagues asking for help and sponsorship. If you're reading this then you're at least curious what I'm up to and why. Take 5 minutes to read on and you'll find out.

 

First the running challenge. I've been running for a about six years now at various levels, but I've never ran a Marathon, I've completed the Great South Run five times, soon to be six, but next year I'm taking on a Marathon. It'll be a hard slog and to mark the occasion I wanted to turn it into something positive for me and for other people.

 

That's why I'm running for Macmillan. Many of you will have heard of them or even had them help you or your family. I know they helped my family when my Grandad was fighting the last few days and weeks of his cancer battle. The helped make a difficult time better and were immense support to my Grandma. They've probably helped your Grandma, or Uncle, or maybe no-one you know but they're always there if needed.

 

Therefore whilst I've set myself the task of running the Marathon in under 4 hours that's just the physical challenge. The other challenge is to raise £5000 for Macmillan. 

 

Yes, £5000. I figure I'm lucky enough to have a great bunch of friends, family and colleagues that will understand what I'm trying to do and the difference it could make to Macmillan and the people they help. 

 

Let me help you work out how you can help.

 

If you donate £25 that'll get an hours physiotherapy for someone that really needs it.

 

£156 will run the cancer support phoneline for an hour, helping 13 people affected by cancer to get vital information and support.

 

£918 will provide a Macmillan nurse for a week - that makes a real difference to an entire family when they need it most.

 

So, you can help me make a real difference, please dig deep, I haven't asked you for sponsorship before and I won't ask you again for a long long time. 

 

One more thing before I go. If you want to follow my training progress, I'll be doing regular updates (it'll probably be a mix of fun and serious comment) then follow me on Twitter (@simonjhadley) or look for the updates on my (new) blog http://simonjhadley.wordpress.com/. I have to massively increase my training from now until April - tune in to see how it's going.

 

Now I have to put the standard JustGiving stuff but if you're still reading by now then it's surely just a case of how much you can help? why not do a £1 a mile?

 

Thanks,

Simon

 

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So please dig deep and donate now.