I finished! Here’s my report on how it all went.

I love to run - and I get grumpy when I can’t. About 20 months ago I developed quite a nasty back problem - nothing to do with running, of course. I seriously doubted whether I’d be able to tackle another marathon. My grateful thanks must go to Mr John Fowler [consultant spinal surgeon] for operating on me and making it possible for me to continue running. But, on his advice, I have reduced the frequency and mileage of long runs. I can now go several days without a fix! I feel very lucky indeed that I can
still run.

I really wanted to have a go at the London Marathon again this year, because it would be my 20^th ‘London’. It’s probably the best-organised marathon in the world, and the spectators are so incredibly supportive. I use the marathon as an opportunity to raise funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. It’s my chosen charity because my eldest daughter, Amanda, has MS. I have run for them at least a dozen times now. I set myself a target to raise £500 this year, but friends, and ‘friends of friends’ (Oh! the power of Facebook!), have been so generous that they have more than doubled that. So, a very big ‘thank you’ to all those who have sponsored me. I really appreciate the support - thinking about it kept me going.

My youngest daughter, Sally, and her partner Matt were out on the course with my wife, Elaine, to cheer me on. It was Sally’s birthday that day and I surprised her with a ‘Happy Birthday’ banner I’d made … I unfurled it as soon as I spotted her. See picture gallery. 

The run went much better than I had dared hope. I was the 8,679^th finisher (out of 39,057); 87^th in my age category (out of 526); my time was 3hrs 40mins 31secs; my average pace was 8mins 25secs per mile. The time should guarantee me a ‘good for age’ place next year. The icing on the cake was the fabulous post-race reception arranged by the MS Society’s enthusiastic marathon team. We were joyously welcomed - then offered showers, a massage, excellent food - what more could the runners and their supporters want?  Thank you, team MS.