Five years ago my eldest son Finlay was 13 years old. I had just run the Venice Marathon and was younger and fitter than I am today. "When I am 18 we'll run the New York Marathon together and I'll show you the way home   Finlay said- so the wager was agreed. Now he is 18 and about to start at Newcastle University and I am approaching 50 .The body is creaking and not made to do this anymore but there is no turning back. 

Our friend Dave Fraser was involved in a motorcycle accident a few years ago. He suffered a serious spinal cord injury. After his accident Dave was supported by a charity called 'The Back-Up Trust' which helps people with spinal cord injuries realise their potential. "Back Up" organises wheelchair skills courses, runs a mentoring scheme and provides sports courses for people with spinal cord injuries. Finlay and I have decided to raise money for The Back-Up Trust when we run the New York marathon.

Ashley

 

Being the competitive man he is, my dad has always challenged me, and bet with me that he could beat me in many different activities and sports. "Ill bet you I can beat you in a marathon," he told me when I was thirteen - and I laughed! Now that I am eighteen I have finally found out how physically draining is the training for a marathon.

I'm extremely pleased to be running this marathon, not just to beat my dad, but more importantly, to raise money for 'The Back-Up Trust'. I'm very excited to be able to raise money for such an amazing charity, and hopefully in the process I will be able to beat my dad to the finish line.

Finlay