Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Many of you will know I have not had an easy time over the past few years.  I had a left total hip replacement in April 08 which failed, an attempted repair op in Oct 08 and finally a full revision in April 09.  I know what it is like to be in extreme pain, and to find it difficult to do the simplest of tasks that we usually all take for granted - such as taking a shower or going on an escalator.

Now there is light at the end of my personal tunnel and I want to focus my energy on getting fit whilst doing something positive for others at the same time.  I have chosen to walk (not run!) the London Marathon and raise money for Scope, the UK's leading disability charity working with children and adults with cerebral palsy.  I can't guarantee a fast time but I am determined to finish - even if it means walking by myself the next day!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.

Please support me and support Scope - dig deep and donate today.

Carole

26th April

Just looked up my official time:  6 hours 40 mins and 38 seconds.

25th April

I did it!!!

What an amazing day - a real experience.  I went through the finish line at just under 7 hours - over an hour faster than I thought I would - so I am thrilled.  The atmosphere was fantastic - and the crowds really supportive.  And the fact that I had so much support beforehand really kept me going.  Thank you everybody!

Very special thanks to my walking buddy Angie who has trained with me all the way, and to my wonderful husband who has put up with all the time it has taken :-)

Feel fine - although it might be slightly different in the morning.  Only a couple of tiny blisters.

Home now, had a hot bath, and going to sleep :-)

21st April

A final update before Sunday.  If ever I needed inspiration I got it today.  I visited the Scope school Ingfield Manor near Horsham.  I met the Headmsater and some of the staff - who do an absolutely wonderful job caring for  very very special children. I will be thinking of them.

Sponsorship is still coming in - and I would not be surprised if we get to the £3,000 now.  If we do it would be amazing!

For those who would like to track my progress on Sunday my running number is 46347.  I will be wearing a blue and yellow Scope top with an RSA logo.  I will be the one behind the man in the diving suit. :-)

Wish me luck!

 

19th April - the last week :-)

Apparently you should not train as much in the last week as you need to rest before the big day - so I am starting to wind down.  A few more evenings (3.5 miles each) and then I am ready to go.  I am feeling fitter than I have done for a long time and will try my best to finish before they start re-opening the road.   I will post my number up later this week so if you are interested you can track my progress.  Thank you all for the lovely messages of support - it means a lot to me.  Next update will be after the big day!

12th April (2 weeks to go!)

Well there is good news and bad news.  Training went badly this week (only 14 miles total) as I am on antibiotics for a sore big toe and have had to rest it.  It is getting better now.  Good news is I had my 1 year checkup with the wonderful Mr Drabu - who has confirmed my hip revision is looking really good!  The x-ray was fine and the recent pain is bursitis probably triggered by my fall a couple of weeks ago.  Nothing to worry about.  Phew!

So it is all steam ahead. Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me this week :-)

6th April (3 weeks to go!)

What a wonderful week!  Your response to my "all GCC" email was unbelievable and has whizzed me past my target.  I am thrilled and overwhelmed - yet again.  Thankyou so much!

Total miles 26.6 miles.  Longest walk 16.1 (I drove round after to check).  My first blister (oh no!).  Weight still dropping which is great - total lost 18kg.  Still very weak "sideways" and some sharp pain - but I think all is ok as I can walk forwards for miles with no trouble.  Just keep taking the tablets!  Having a check up with my surgeon next Monday - fingers crossed for the all clear.

28th Mar (4 weeks to go)

I was in Budapest last week at an ISACA conference.  Managed to do my 3.5 miles a night...and 15 today.

Total for the week 29 miles.  Started wearing in my new walking trainers ready for the big day. 

14th Mar (6 weeks to go)

Total miles 26.8 miles.  Longest walk 15.3.  Not sure how long it took as I had a bit of a drama near the end - tripped over a loop of wire and fell flat on my face. Some kind passers by stopped and helped me and (embarrasingly) called an ambulance.  They said I was knocked out for a short while :-(  Luckily I was on the verge and apart from a nose bleed and a couple of bruises I was absolutely fine.  Most worried about my hip but given I fell forwards and completely flat no harm was done. Phew!

8th Mar update (7 weeks to go)

Total miles 23. Longest walk 11.5 miles - which took me 2 hours 50 mins. Golly it was cold!  Does a titanium implant stay cold?  It took ages for my leg to feel normal again! (Another thought - I wonder if my leg is heavier because of the implant - if so I could adjust my weight loss target :-)

Good progress and feeling strong.

1st Mar update

Total miles 20.5.  Longest walk 10 miles.  Total weight lost 17 kg.  No niggles etc.  Went to my neice's wedding on saturday and had a great time. There was a lovely pool so managed to do some hydrotherapy exercises.  Got a few funny looks though walking up and down the pool sideways! Article in the local newspaper on my story - might generate more sponsorship for Scope.  Everyone is being wonderfully supportive.

22nd Feb update

Total miles - 17.5. Longest walk 4 miles. Total weight lost 16 kg. Trouble with right foot - so taking ibuprofen and doing what I can. 

15th Feb update

Total miles - 22.  Longest walk 8 miles.  Weight lost so far - 15.5 kg.  All in all a good week :-)

8th Feb Update

Total miles - 16.5. Longest walk 6 miles.  Oh dear!  Not a good week - had to have a wisdom tooth out and still suffering.  Went to "meet the experts" session in London on Sunday. Really motivating so "this is it" now!

31st Jan Update

Total miles - 20.5.  Longest walk - 6.5 miles. Weight lost so far - 14kg.  Icy pavements slowed things down again.  Right knee / foot causing a few problems but the hip feels fine. Need to build up the distance this week.

25th Jan Update

Getting back on track.  Total miles last week - 23.5.  Longest walk - 8 miles. Weight lost so far - 13.5kg. Totally overwhelmed by everyone's generosity and support.  No dislocations!

13th Jan Update : Training suffering a bit from the snow but doing what I can to keep moving.  Hip partially dislocated yesterday getting out of the car - again.  Must be more careful!