Well, who would have thought that moment of madness, almost over 4years ago, to do a 10k run - because I was 50 - would now turn out into me turning out to do the London Marathon?  For one day only "Snicker's Man" will become "Marathon Man!" 

On 22 April, I will "running" the Marathon and to give me some added incentive I have decided to run for the Parkinson's Disease Society.  The people there do a wonderful job supporting over 120,000 people in the UK and their families who suffer with this progressive neurodegenerative condition.  The condition is characterised by a group of disorders of movement and balance and the best known symptom is tremor which manifests itself in 70% of cases.  Although the disease itself is not a terminal condition, a general decline in health and vulnerability to other illnesses can result in the need for complete care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

In our family both my Grandad, Billy Potter and Christine's Dad, Joe McHugh both suffered with Parkinson's Disease.  The Society were there when we needed them and the sadness is that after over 20 years since their passing there is still no known cure for the disease. 

I am sure I will have at least 2 supporters on the day who will be having a good laugh at my efforts.   

Thanks for reading and your support for this excellent cause.

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Well you may have seen I manged to complete the London 2012 marathon in 5 hours 13 minutes and 7 seconds finishing in 28,227th place.

 

I think this now means I will not be turning professional and will have to look beyond running as my next career move.

 

I am feeling pretty good and just a little bit stiff which for an old lad like me is a bit of a bonus.

 

It was an amazing day – in brief:

 

• 2am – full fire evacuation of the hotel – some idiot tried to dry a towel on a light – fell asleep and the rest is history! 
• Never realised I had as many friends in London – or was it because my name was on my shirt? 
• Did see Christine and Judy at miles 14 and 19 – and they saw me which was the most important bit. 
• Ran well up to mile 20/21 and wobbled a bit but managed to pull myself together for a final run in which I just ground out. 
• The breeze coming down the Thames was incredible and gave me the vital lift. 
• The finish was incredible and I was treated like a star – as were all the runners by Parkinson’s Uk – massage, shower and food all within 30 minutes of the finish.   

 

All in we will have raised around £3000 when all my pledges come in which is beyond my wildest dreams for a very worthy cause.

 

 

Thank you all for your support - it really has been greatly appreciated. 

 

Dermot

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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