I was going to start my physical endeavours for the year without asking for sponsorship but it's Laaaandaaan, innit.  I haven't raised any sponsorship since 2012 so it's about bloody time I raised some more!

To recap, briefly, on what's happened since 2012 - like a 1960's Clint Eastwoodesque criminal I escaped from Alcatraz, like a honking sewer dweller I swam a very long way in a duck shit infested pond, and like an Ironman I did another Ironman.  Then I broke my toe.  Then I caught a cold.

And after all that I find myself about to run London Marathon for the second time.  Preparation has not been the best - I got the all clear from a chest infection on day one of training so I have basically spent the last four months trying to out-run poorly ejected phlegm against gale force headwinds.  But, as painful as it will be, I am ready to toe the line at Blackheath and kick off another year of doing sweat sodden, weather battered, chub rub chafed stuff.

I am raising money for the Make a Wish Foundation as I did in 2012.  The Make a Wish Foundation is a charity with a single purpose – they grant magical wishes to children and young people aged 3-17 fighting life-threatening conditions.  For many families the Make-A-Wish memory can be the last happy memory they have of their child having fun in a magical world, surrounded by family and friends – rather than memories of days and weeks of painful treatments and hospitalisation. The memory of the wish may be of their child laughing and enjoying being a princess or zoo keeper for the day or meeting a favourite celebrity. In years to come, the family can look back and remember that special time.

Every single penny that you can spare makes a difference.  I know as the spring marathons progress everyone that has even the vaguest social connection to a runner is harassed for sponsorship.  Don't worry if things are tight right now.  I will start the ball rolling by backing myself but as the year progresses and I update you on whatever dumbass idea I have got myself roped into I would ask that you consider a donation if you have the opportunity.  Sometimes the smaller charities get overlooked and it really would make a massive difference to Make a Wish and the kids they support.

In the meantime I keep a blog that updates on whatever idiocy is floating through my head.  Feel free to have a read! 

https://ironman39.wordpress.com

Thank you so much and please remember to tick the gift aid box!

Dougie